Jesus was born into political turmoil, and the story of his birth doesn't shy away from describing that: a young man and his pregnant fiancé forced to leave their home for a long journey so they can be more effectively taxed by the occupying power; a nervous and jealous political leader who feels so threatened by rumors of the Messiah's birth that he orders children to be slaughtered on the streets of Bethlehem; astrologers from the East seeking the child and running headlong into the Herod's attempt to manipulate them; the holy family fleeing as temporary refugees in Egypt.
Two millennia later, we're hearing again of turmoil from that Holy City of Jesus' birth, and from all around that land. Terror upon terror, and news gets worse. Israelis attacked, afraid and enraged. Palestinians, enraged from ongoing occupation and unquestionably inequitable treatment attacked, afraid, and desperate. Thousands dying, injured, displaced, hungry, ill, under pressure, losing livelihood, and more.
In one small response, local Christian leaders have announced that public celebrations of Christmas in Jordan, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and other parts of the Land have been cancelled this year. Only religious services inside churches will commence. Manger Square, normally full of lights, and sounds, and Christmas Trees, and celebrations, is dark.
Please lift all people of that Land in prayer - for an immediate end to war, for a just and lasting peace for all people there. The Bible calls us to such prayer, and to nonviolent action to live out our prayer. Let's particularly pray for our mission partners and friends in Bethlehem. So you can hear directly from there, I've attached a link here to this year's Christmas Message from Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, the President of Dar al Kalima University of Ats and Culture in Bethlehem, where the Pinnacle Scholarship Fund supports a student every year and where many Pinnacle members provide additional support, prayer, and hope.
If you would like to talk more about Bethlehem, reach out to one of our pastors.
Wes Avram, Senior Pastor
