Bethlehem, a name that evokes powerful emotions and a rich history, often gets overlooked despite its central role in our religious narratives. It's time we shed light on this sacred place and the people who call it home.
Imagine lighting your first Advent candle in Bethlehem as a child, as I did. The experience was profound, yet it's a reality that many in the global church seem to forget. This year, I joined the Red Candle movement, an initiative that aims to bring attention to the present-day Bethlehem and its residents.
Recently, over a thousand U.S. pastors traveled to the Holy Land for a summit in Jerusalem, yet they bypassed Bethlehem, a town just minutes away. They prayed at the Western Wall but didn't step into a church. It's a stark reminder of how we often sing about Bethlehem with affection but fail to acknowledge the people living there now.
For me, Advent in Bethlehem began with a white candle burning above ancient stone in the Grotto of the Nativity. Growing up in the nearby hills, lighting that candle each year was a simple yet powerful prayer: a reminder that God sees Bethlehem and brings peace to it.
Pain and struggle have always been part of Bethlehem's narrative. The town, under the strain of empire and occupation, echoes the experiences of many families today who navigate checkpoints, violence, and uncertainty. The Holy Family's journey, fleeing into the night, is not just an ancient story but a reflection of the struggles faced by families in modern times.
But amidst the darkness, there is light. The shepherds, young men and women living on the margins, recognized God's peace before the powerful did. Their wonder and fragile hope continue to inspire our communities, where ordinary believers grasp God's goodness long before the powerful acknowledge it.
Advent is not about romanticizing suffering; it's about honoring and dignifying it. Through Jesus, God chose to enter a story marked by displacement and fear, and he continues to be present in such stories today.
So, why do pastors and leaders, who know the truth about Bethlehem, remain silent? Pastoral faithfulness demands moral clarity. The grief of this land is not just Jewish; it's also Muslim and Christian, spanning decades of displacement and unmet longing. Scripture calls us to mourn with all who mourn, not choose whose tears matter more.
Bethlehem is not just a backdrop; it's a living, breathing community of believers. My extended family still resides in the same neighborhoods where Christians have prayed for centuries. Their resilience, 2,000 years after Jesus' birth, is a powerful testament to the faithful witness of Christians in Jesus' birthplace.
The Red Candle Movement serves as a reminder of this truth. It's time we sing about Bethlehem with our actions, not just our words.
