The Bethlehem of My Childhood I still remember quite vividly those young teen days when my mum and dad would take me by car from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Christmas Day so that we could visit the Basilica of the Nativity. We used to enter the church through the small wooden door, and then go gingerly down the narrow steps that led to the manger where Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Saviour, was born some two thousand years ago.
Dear Friends & Colleagues
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:6-7)
The Bethlehem of My Childhood
I still remember quite vividly those young teen days when my mum and dad would take me by car from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Christmas Day so that we could visit the Basilica of the Nativity. We used to enter the church through the small wooden door, and then go gingerly down the narrow steps that led to the manger where Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Saviour, was born some two thousand years ago.
We would say a prayer or two, as we witnessed the round-the-clock holy masses and chants that took place in different languages in that narrow candle-lit space. Bethlehem was such a peaceful and welcoming town.
The Bethlehem of My Adulthood
For the past few decades, though, this little town of Bethlehem that witnessed the birth of the Prince of Peace (Is 9:6) has become an unending chapter of trepidation, uncertainty and suffering. The magic of this town, as it affirmed the Mystery of the Incarnation, has been marred by a political conflict that has been pitting Palestinian against Israeli.
Alas, Christmas is no longer so much about the joy of the Nativity as it is about negotiating checkpoints to enter Manger Square and revere the Son of God in his lowly birthplace.
My Prayer for Bethlehem
I pray that this little town would re-discover peace, justice, non-violence and harmony. I pray that the joyful news witnessed by the three magi (Mt 2:11) and which King Herod could not destroy (Mt 2:16), would re-visit this town and this land. I hope that Israelis and Palestinians, Jews, Christians and Muslims, would learn that it is so much easier to hate than to love, so much easier go to war than to negotiate peace.
Christmas is not solely about family reunions! Nor is it about meals, drinks and gifts alone! Nor, for that matter, is it even about excessive political correctness and timorous decorum. As the popular carol Little Town of Bethlehem sings, it is also about the birth of a little baby born of Mary ‘where meek souls will receive him still.’
Holy Christmas & Happy 2005
