This is the first week of Advent. This lit candle, typically purple to signify royalty and penitence, symbolizes Christ’s coming, reminding us that the hope of salvation is the birth of our Lord.
Bethlehem
When we travel to Israel we always make sure to visit Bethlehem. Visiting Bethlehem has changed since the early 2000’s, when the wall that separates the West Bank was erected. Many tourists do not cross the border due to security issues. Believe it or not, some tourists visit Bethlehem because of the graffiti artwork on the wall. There are plenty of political messages because this wall, which is still under construction, is over 400 miles long.
The most profound graffiti messages are found in larger cities like Bethlehem. The Walled Off Hotel is now a popular tourist site. Its popularity is due to its location in front of the graffiti artwork of Banksy, an artist and political activist who also happens to own the hotel.
The Wall
Depending upon who you ask, the wall is either a hindrance or a blessing. I know for a fact that it has hurt the economy of the Palestinians and separated families. To the Jews it has almost completely stopped the suicide bombings. It’s a paradoxical situation, yet still no peace.
The Security
At the security checkpoint, if our tour guide is Jewish, he/she can only bring us to the border. A Christian Palestinian guide must take over the tour in a different bus. Before we cross the border, we must have our passports in hand because several Israeli soldiers with really huge rifles get on the bus to make sure we are who we say we are.
The Israeli Army
There is no shortage of the visible Israeli soldiers; they are at almost every point. Most of them are in their early twenties. Men serve for three years and young women are required to serve their country for two years. You will not see any Israeli police or Israeli army personnel in Bethlehem (unless it’s a raid), and as many times as I have been there, I have never witnessed any Jewish authorities in this area.
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The young and beautiful Israeli army
The Little Town
We visit Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, because the Church of the Nativity is the home of the “Original Nativity.” This church was built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity is one the oldest functioning Christian churches in the world. It is by far one of the most interesting sites, and a must see while visiting the Holy Land.
As you pass through the small opening to the main church, even I have to crouch to enter into this passage. This doorway was made small in order to prevent large animals from entering the church.
The Passage
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The Door to The Church of The Nativity
There is always a long wait to go down the narrow marble steps to reach the star where Jesus was born. Usually you encounter rude foreigners who push their way through to get there sooner. I sometimes fall into this category because one of my biggest pet peeves is someone cutting ahead of the line. I stand by this principle; the only exception I make occurs when a person cutting ahead suffers from unbearable body odor.
The Church Of The Nativity
As a pilgrim, I experience the Church of the Nativity not only as holy, but with great reverence. Though we are only permitted to stay and pray a short period, we cherish these few minutes. If you are blessed, there is an area where you can sit and pray to the left of the Star, but it is rarely available. The last time I visited, I sat on the only bench and prayed until we were asked to leave.
The Exodus
In 1950, Bethlehem, along with the surrounding villages, was 86% Christian. Now the population across the West Bank, Christians represent less than 12%. (According to an article from the National Catholic Register December 19, 2016)
Saint Francis
St. Francis of Assisi was the first to introduce the Nativity scene to the world.
St. Francis had a special devotion to the Child Jesus. He was inspired after visiting the Holy Land and seeing the humble stable, a Bethlehem cave. On Christmas Eve in the year 1223, with permission from Pope Honorius III, St. Francis set up a manger in the village of Grecio, Italy, with hay and two live animals. There St. Francis preached about “the Babe of Bethlehem.” St. Francis was so overwhelmed with emotion that he could not say “Jesus.” So the first Nativity did not have Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, or wise men either, just an ox and an ass.
My Nativities
I love all Nativities, and in our home they are everywhere. I have some from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Spain, Bethlehem, and, of course, Costco.
As we gaze upon the Nativity let us be mindful of Christmas, so that we can draw closer to the real gifts God has set aside for us. We all have special gifts because we serve a benevolent Father. This Christmas, ask Him for your special gift.
My Prayer
May this Advent fill our hearts with great joy and anticipation in welcoming You. Lord, You are the Master of us all, bring us good tidings and peace. Lord, comfort the broken hearted and fill their hearts with hope. Amen.
