Christmas Meditation: Bethlehem on Our Minds“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” —Micah 5:2
The text from Micah 5:2 will be read in churches around the world this Advent. Even more so right through Christmas “the little town of Bethlehem” will reverberate in Scripture readings, sermons, and Christmas carols. Images of the manger of the first Christmas will be recreated in figurines and Christmas cards. Christmas brings Bethlehem to mind.
Yet, in Bethlehem this year there will be no Christmas celebrations. For the first time in a long time there will be no Christmas tree in the Nativity square, no parades, and no lights. Celebrations will be muted, and smaller prayer services and rituals will replace the normal festivities. At the Christmas Lutheran Church, a figurine of the baby Jesus lies in the midst of rubble signifying the number of children that have died. In Bethlehem it is not Christmas that is being remembered, it is the slaughter of innocents.
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