I've been almost paralyzed in knowing what to say in my blog for this Christmas morning. In Bethlehem, the Palestinian West Bank city where Jesus was born celebrations have been cancelled in solidarity with the people of Gaza and reports are that the streets have been all but empty for days.
While I'm not inclined to politize today's blog entry I am reminded that God came into this world in human form during a time of occupation by the Roman Empire and that Jesus' family was in Bethlehem to fulfill a census requirement. Mary and Joseph were far from the support of family and "couch surfing", if a manger could be considered furniture.
The Lutheran pastor in Bethlehem has spoken of the 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, the majority of them displaced from their homes and proper medical care, as being like Mary. During his Christmas Eve Mass Pope Francis spoke of the hearts of Christians being in Bethlehem.
Can we offer Merry Christmas, or as the British are inclined to say, Happy Christmas? I am sorrowful this year, yet we've had the blessing of our three children and their families with us for the first time in several years. And the Christmas Eve service included the familiar carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem. So, I will offer the greeting tentatively, but as an affirmation because I do want to uphold the peace, hope, joy, and love which Jesus, the Risen Christ offers to the world.
I hope for all of you a meaningful Christmas wherever you may be. Please take a moment to ponder the Kelly Latimore icon during this day.
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