Visits to Bethlehem

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manager.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2: 8-20 NIV

Pilgrims stared at the hills near Bethlehem. From a restaurant’s patio, our group imagined shepherds on the barren hills. In the cool, silent night, they tended their flocks.

Modern homes and businesses disappeared from my view. I saw shepherds trudge between rocks searching for lost sheep. Caring for injured ones. Wrapping themselves in warm cloaks. Waiting for the sun to rise.

Stars twinkled in the clear sky. Distant lights of Bethlehem glowed. A long, boring night awaited them. 

Reluctantly, my mind switched to the present as our leader led us to the Church of the Nativity. We wound through clogged sidewalks filled with vendors trying to entice visitors to buy trinkets, post cards, and other souvenirs from the holy city. 

Christian and Muslim sellers, trying to make a living, capitalized on the mass of pilgrims. Crumbling buildings revealed poverty and the evidence of skirmishes. Cut off from the rest of the country by a gigantic wall, citizens endured long lines to enter and leave their city. Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, struggled to live there. 

Prejudices and distrust abounded. In the town of Jesus‘ birth, the Christian population dwindles. 

I tried to ignore the current problems and imagine the scene in Jesus‘ time. But long lines in the Church of the Nativity, made it difficult. Tradition says that it was built over the cave of His birth. 

With incense burners, all sorts of religious adornments and a marble star imbedded in the floor, it hardly seemed appropriate to me. Nothing like the humble stables of my nativity sets even though I know they aren’t accurate either. 

Away from the mass of people, our leader led us to the Catholic Church of St. Ann next door. The beautiful, quiet sanctuary contrasted with the dark, busy one we left. 

Down a narrow, stone stairway, we entered a series of small caves. Asian worshipers filled the first one. We continued to a small one at the back. 

That tiny room soothed me. A long wooden table and with a beautiful painting furnished the room. Folding wooden chairs held us. Calmness settled over our group.

Scriptures took us to the stable. Larry, our leader, led us in a time of reflection. 

A grieving mother sat next to me. I took her hand. With eyes closed and tears streaming, we joined the group and sang of Jesus’ birth. 

In that  simple cave, the Holy Spirit comforted my new friend and me. He knew our losses and pain. 

I imagined a young couple far from home. Scared and nervous but trusting God. Holding her tiny baby, Mary felt Immanuel--God with us. They marveled at the birth and knew they weren’t alone. 

Gone was the pain and uncertainty of childbirth. Praise filled the young couple. A new life of promise.

Footsteps on the stone steps. Heads peeked into the dark room. Mary motioned for them to enter. 

Outcasts of society came inside. In awe they stared at the sleeping infant. Their rough manners, smelly clothes, and lack of education didn’t matter. They heeded their special angelic invitation.

They went immediately. They didn’t stop to take a bath, buy special clothes, or comb their matted hair. Each was accepted as he was. 

Afterward, the shepherds ran through the streets of Bethlehem proclaiming the Good News. Lives were changed. 

None who experienced that marvelous night remained trouble-free. All faced obstacles and trials. But God was with them.

In that quiet cave, some of my grief lifted. The Holy Spirit reminded me that I wasn’t alone either. He intentionally seated my new friend and me together and wrapped us in His loving arms. 

I longed to remain in that safe, serene place. But a sense of peace filled my heart as we left. I knew I would be able to continue my grief journey. 

Sadness filled me for Bethlehem and its chaos. Harsh conditions. Isolation. Despair. If only they could all experience the love of Jesus.

Heavenly Father, be with those who live in your holy land. Help them experience the love, promise, and hope of Jesus. May each Christian shine Your light to the world. Amen