This advent season, as we anticipate entering the story that took place long ago in Bethlehem, we think of the angelic announcement to the shepherds in the fields: "To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:11). That announcement is prefaced by the declaration, "Do not be afraid . . . I am bringing you good news" (2:10). Yet there were good reasons to be afraid, not only of the angelic apparition, but also of the consequences of affirming such politically loaded titles as Savior, Messiah, and Lord, which were applied either to Roman emperors or associated with Jewish expectations related to the overthrow of Roman colonial rule.
We will be entering Bethlehem when we arrive on April 30, 2010. We go there for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons, of course, is to ponder the story of Jesus' birth and to ask how his birth intersects with our lives and the lives of those who live in Bethlehem today. Unfortunately, Bethlehem is now walled off with the security wall you see pictured above. The great irony of the wall is displayed on a huge sign hung there by the Israel Ministry of Tourism. I do indeed wish for peace for all who enter these gates. Unfortunately, not all can come and go as they please. Palestinian Christians living in Jerusalem, for example, cannot go to Bethlehem for the Christmas celebrations. This common Middle Eastern greeting "Peace be with you," is not easily experienced in its full sense by Jesus followers living in the region. Jesus' birthplace has restricted access.
A contemporary cartoon about the magi trying to enter Bethlehem by digging under the wall is now on offer as a set of Christmas cards. This image has been criticized by some
who suggest that it presents an unfortunate (and inappropriate) link between the ancient biblical story and contemporary political realities. Perhaps. But think for a moment about Mary's expectations (Luke 2:52-53), or those of Zechariah (Luke 2:71, 74), or of the question raised later in the gospel about whether Jesus' approach to Jerusalem might spark the onset of God's kingdom (Luke 19:11). Wouldn't it make sense to insist that the place where the "prince of peace" (Isaiah 9:6) was born be open and accessible to all?Do you remember what the angels announced in their short poem of praise? "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours" (Luke 2:14). May this story continue to challenge the powers that be, from every nation on earth, to heed Jesus' beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall see God."
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