On the Road to Bethlehem

By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

The Season of Advent begins on Sunday. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation as we prepare for the mystery of Christmas: God has come amongst us in the person of Jesus Christ.

I have been sharing Advent Godly Play stories with Pre-Kindergarten students whose wonder and delight is a gift. I wonder what traditions your family will nurture this Advent that will be a blessing to you and to others?

During Advent, we are invited on a metaphorical journey to Bethlehem, the place of Christ’s birth. In 2013 I was fortunate enough to spend time in Bethlehem in a literal sense. Visiting Shepherds' Field, where tradition says the angels gave the message to come and see the Christ child laid in a manger, and the Church of the Nativity, were among the special moments.

It was also poignant learning, sharing meals and worshipping with residents of Bethlehem. I saw the way checkpoints, home demolitions and water restrictions were part of daily life.

Today the situation is even more dire. The suffering of Palestinians in Gaza is immense. In the West Bank, life is increasingly filled with violence and loss. Israelis are living with uncertainty and grief. We have seen the destruction of war spread to Lebanon. A way forward with peace, justice, security, and human rights for all seems out of reach.

Dr Bishara Awad is the founder of Bethlehem Bible College. His memoir published in 2021, Yet in the Dark Streets Shining: A Palestinian Story of Hope & Resilience, co-written with Mercy Aiken, is a remarkable story of one family’s determination to survive in difficult circumstances while also serving those around them. The book concludes as follows:

My thoughts circled back to our students. What would become of them? What would they experience during their lifetimes? I was getting older. How would the college survive and grow into the future?
How would the gospel of Jesus Christ grow and continue to make an impact in this land?
These last questions remained a concern. In answer, I could only take the abundant faith God had given me and stretch it into the future, over the generations yet to come. Here in this difficult place where it all began, where heaven and earth first came together in Jesus Christ. The rule of our humble king was not established through dominion or violence, but through self-giving love and servanthood. His upside-down reign was a sure and certain kingdom that, as we participate in it, turns the world right-side up and transforms everything back to its truest image.
Even Palestinians. Even Israelis.

Amid so much suffering, Bishara’s words demonstrate that another way is possible. Lord, may it be so.

Donations to Anglicans in Development Al Ahli Hospital Emergency Appeal can be made here.