Bethlehem as it looks today
The biblical account of the Christmas story leaves in our minds a romantic notion of what Bethlehem looks like. But a visit to the contemporary town reflects a very different picture… As David Bowers writes following a recent Holy Land pilgrimage:
A key location to visit is, of course, Bethlehem, nowadays a Palestinian town in the West Bank, surrounded by an imposing security wall with access in and out controlled by military checkpoints. The local people live under considerable restrictions and sadly the Christian presence in Bethlehem has declined dramatically… The birthplace of the Prince of Peace has become a visible reminder of the tensions of the Holy Land.
Against this background we found it a very moving place to visit…
The tensions, which are evident in Bethlehem and throughout Israel and Palestine, are part of the troubles of a world that is often broken and divided, a world where peace for many people remains a distant dream. It is into this world that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was born in humble circumstances to share our humn life. The Christmas story is not a piece of sentimental escapism but a powerful statement of hope for all people. At the heart of the events we celebrate is the love of God for all people.
Visiting Bethlehem today adds to our understanding