O Little Town of Bethlehem

Christmas is upon us and this year any song that mentions Bethlehem has new meaning for me. Our son, Adam, is part of a mission team serving in Bethlehem, Palestine this year. As expected, our family has a strong interest in what is going on in that part of the world. As I learn more, I wonder how we, as Christians, have managed to shun Bethlehem's people for so long. Why did we stand by and let the situation get so out of hand?

Bethlehem, "how still we see thee lie". Or, rather, how little we know of thee. For example, how many American Christians have seen the wall that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem these days and inhibits freedom of movement for thousands of people? Our Christian brothers and sisters (now less than 2% of the population of Bethlehem) face hardships every day that we have helped create through our silence and our financial support of the occupation.

Adam is developing relationships with Palestinians and Israelis, Christians, Jews and Muslims. Through his efforts in peacebuilding I'm sure to grow in my understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Christmas this year will be bitter-sweet for our family. But, little town of Bethlehem, we will know thee better.