Not exactly news of joy in this the Third Week of Advent in Bethlehem this year. The traditional Christmas tree will not be put up; souvenir shops are shuttered as Nativity Square is shuttered. Israeli government pressure on the West Bank has led to a steady stream of emigrants, primarily Christian, moving to places like Australia.
Even when I was there in 2007 at Orthodox Christmas, one could feel the intensity of Israeli hatred and pressure against Palestinians, Christian and Muslim. Seeing an Israeli soldier torment a small child is a searing memory. As utterly outrageous and inhumane as was the Hamas action on October 7, the Israeli response has been worse.
Airwars, a British-based nonprofit that tracks civilian casualties in 21st century conflicts, reported that in October 2023 alone 5,139 civilians were killed, including 1,900 children. Of the 606 incidents it tracked, only 26 had evidence of at least one militant killed, and that number is less than a tenth of the 7,000. What is the real target in this war?
Prayer for the Day
How to feel joy at the coming Nativity, we ask, O God,
When there is no peace in the land of the Child’s Birth?
How to feel hope in this day and time, O Lord,
When destruction reigns across the land and among the peoples?
Here, the conflict seems so far, but should be close to our hearts,
For, you, O Holy One, also bleed with the suffering of peoples.
In the name of the One who calls us to mercy and peace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
During these difficult times that our Palestinian cities are going through, especially in the Gaza Strip, it is difficult to show any signs of joy and happiness.
Issa Thaljieh, an Orthodox priest who ministers at the Nativity Church
(There is) the fear that this war might extend to areas in the West Bank, especially after the arming of the settlers and the announcement of the possible annexation of the West Bank.
Munther Isaac, Lutheran pastor, West Bank
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
Take words with you and return to the Lord, and say:
“Take away all guilt; accept that which is good, and we will offer the fruit of our lips.
Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses;
We will say no more, ‘Our God,’ to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy
Hosea 14: 1-3