Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can!

Journal Day 7 by Beth Dobyns

We usually think of Christmas as a time to give and receive gifts.This December day our group traveled to Bethlehem and Beit Sahour, and we received many gifts. We heard about excellent programs that help with psychological and physical rehabilitation after the many wars and unrest in this region of the world. They have been doing work that ranks as some of the best in the world when it comes to dealing with children and helping them through post traumatic stress disorder. Art therapy and play therapy are some of the effective tools that are used. Physical rehabilitation programs are also in place to help persons, primarily under 18, to receive needed physical therapy in order to recover from their injuries. It has been difficult to get to treatment for many since the construction of the wall. This program helps to bring care to those who need it. We also visited Shepherds’ Grotto and heard about some of the special Christmas programs that will begin shortly. Next we traveled to Bethlehem, and we were reminded this morning of the scripture theme for the Christmas offering: “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can!” And that is what we did. Entering the Church of the Nativity was a moving experience. It is the oldest church building that has always been a church in the world. Coming into the church you see a long string of chandeliers and lights hanging through the nave and the chancel area. While it is not a bright, modern place, it is a place of reverence. Down a narrow stairway, you come to the altars that house the place where Jesus was born and the manger area. You can kneel down and put your hand on the stone that is exposed on the supposed place of the birth of Jesus. The manger is a few steps away and is lined with eternal lights and a painting of Mary and the baby. People came to pray silently, to look and to touch, and to take a moment to consider the place. A worship service was going on in the church adjacent to the site, and lovely organ music floated down. It was a gracious gift to receive on this day in December. We visited other partners also in Bethlehem who are doing ministry and carrying out their work as teachers and pastors with a view of the world that includes all people and so many imaginative, creative ideas. Their witness is a joyful and effective one even in a place that often sees violence and pain. As we talked about forming new partnerships and looking at new possibilities we were reminded,“After all, Bethlehem is certainly the place of incarnation!” Well said and well done, partners in global ministry!