Luke 2:1-14

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” vss. 10-11

It has been widely reported that the leaders of the Christian churches in Bethlehem, in order to demonstrate their solidarity with the suffering Palestinians of Gaza, have canceled Christmas. There will be no marching bands, or holiday decorations, or Santa Clauses in the streets. Shopkeepers who are totally dependent on the tourist trade at this time of year have shuttered their places of business. Christmas Lutheran Church has replaced its manger scene with a pile of rubble. There is great fear and apprehension in the hearts of the people. But it is not true to say that these Christian Palestinians have canceled Christmas. They’ll be gathering for worship tonight, not with the usual glitz and glamor, but with heartfelt hymns and fervent prayers. They’ll be demonstrating their conviction that the words of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” are true. “Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” Seldom has the contrast between the goodness and the brokenness of our world been made more vivid than in the streets of Bethlehem. Our only hope is the child in the manger, and not the bombings and senseless killings, and that will be the focus of worship in the churches of Bethlehem tonight.

Thought for the Day: What is my Christmas prayer?