Beloveds, there are some profound images that are being shared from Bethlehem. I am sure some of you have seen this image of the Manger at Christmas Lutheran Church Bethlehem shared by Reverend Munther Isaac who lives in Palestine. Rev. Isaac shares,
“Christmas in Palestine this year. The Child under the rubble. Immanuel God is with us in our pain and suffering. God in solidarity with the oppressed. The child of Bethlehem is our hope. For the children of Gaza and all victims of wars.
In Gaza today, God is under the rubble. He is in the operating room. If Christ were to be born today, he would be born under the rubble. We see his image in every child killed and pulled from under the rubble. In every child in incubators.”
May this image remind us all of the reality of the people and place where Jesus was born.
Our Christian colleagues in Bethlehem also tell us that the lights that normally adorn the birthplace of Jesus will remain unlit in memory of those who have been killed in the current conflict. The patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem have noted that the traditional festive services in the Holy Land will be somber in nature due to the ongoing war. They also remind us that the second candle on the Advent wreath represents peace, and in some traditions is known as the ”Bethlehem candle.” So, this Advent, Methodist churches across the globe are invited to refrain from lighting the Advent candle on the second Sunday in Advent because, “as we prepare ourselves to welcome the birth of the Prince of Peace, we understand the festive lights that normally shine bright in Bethlehem will not be lit this year in memory of those killed in the recent violence. To stand alongside our (siblings) in Christ, and all who mourn this Christmas, we will leave our second Advent candle unlit during Advent and Christmas.”
In solidarity with our siblings we will observe this at Broadway also and not light the 2nd Candle of Advent- this Sunday or subsequent Sundays- even as we keep the lights of Hope, Love and Joy lit reminding us that one day Peace will also be lit.
A few other reminders-
We will hold a “Blue Christmas Service” on Sunday, Dec 17th @ 5pm for anyone for whom this season may not be as joy-filled and festive as the world makes it to be, who may be grieving or those going through a difficult season in their lives for any reason.
Our Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be Sunday, Dec 24th @7pm.
That’s it for now friends! Let us keep the Hope of this season that Peace will one day prevail- as we continue to share the Love and Joy of this season. Let us continue to be agents of hope, and pray for peace as we also bring care and help where needed. Be blessed and be a blessing, beloveds, and I look forward to seeing you all in church.
