Newsletter:
Vol. 14, Iss. 3
December 2015
Christmas in Bethlehem
Ms. Karen Thornton
One of Bethlehem’s biggest days of
the year – for Christians, it is the cradle of Christianity. When Pope Francis
visited in 2014, he stated: “Do not be afraid or ashamed of your faith. Faith
comes at a time when Christianity is under threat in the Middle East like
never before”.
We could talk about how the Islamic State has pushed some of the world’s oldest
Christian communities out of their home in northern Iraq. The choice was convert
to Islam, or die. Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity is celebrated
as the birthplace of Jesus. But right now this area (West Bank) is separated
by a wall separating Bethlehem from Jerusalem. Israel claims it is necessary
to prevent attacks by militants. Where does justice come from and how will
this be solved? We pray. Pope Francis stated: “I hope next year (2015) there
will be no separation wall and I hope we will have bridges of peace instead”.
We pray.
The Minister of Tourism stated “Our message this Christmas (2014) is a message
of peace like every year, but what we added this year is; all we want from
Christmas is justice. Justice for our people, our case and the right to live
like other people in the world in our independent state without occupation”.
In 2014 there were over 20,000 families displaced by the conflict between
Israel and Palestine, and it goes on. This conflict is not just in Israel.
Christians all over the world are being displaced by the challenge to convert
to Islam or die.
I pray you know whom you believe in and you are faithful to that commitment.
The song “I Know Whom I Have Believed”. Not necessarily a Christmas hymn or
song you will hear playing during the holiday season, but that is Christmas.
“How believing in His Word wrought peace within my heart; Revealing Jesus
through the Word, But I know whom I have believed, which I’ve committed unto
Him against that day.” If you don’t know, it isn’t too late.
During our time in Jerusalem that thought would resonate in my spirit, I know
whom I believe in. It isn’t man. When you are in His Word, you are in the
presence of God and you want to hear what He is saying to you through His
Word. Revelation 2:11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
Think about it.
God did not create us or call us into a God given purposeful life for failure,
poor in health, spirit or to just be poor. He has promised us an abundant
life. Sure, life can be challenging. Sometimes Christmas brings out the most
challenging of times. Conflict, don’t let it happen at home, don’t let it
get out of control, don’t let it displace you. He hears. Pray for the peace
of Jerusalem, your country, your family, your home. Let this Christmas be
one of peace.
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