You Got a Problem with That (Advent 8, 2023)
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Jesus’ mom was Jewish. His Dad is God. To all the so-called church leaders out there diminishing His birth by removing all celebrations because of the war between Hamas and Israel, is that what Jesus would do? Wow, there’s strife in the world among men. I guess we should put communicating peace with God for all eternity on hold until a better time.
Maybe Bethlehem hasn’t had a problem with the commercialization of the Nativity, but for quite a while, they’ve had a problem with the Jews and demonstrably with Christians of faith (not ecumenism or The Church of the Holy Tourist).
Many Christians have chosen to flee the area due to persecution and religious harassment.
Bethlehem was administered by the British Mandate from 1920 to 1948 when Israel became a recognized state. However, since 1995, Bethlehem is located in territory under Palestinian National Authority administration and military control by decree from the UN. The influx of refugees from the war-torn region into Bethlehem changed the demographic profile from a Christian majority into a Muslim one.
The one place in the Middle East where minorities have continued to thrive is… yes, Israel.
Questions for further thought:
Dating back to Bethlehem’s mention in the Bible, there was neither Christian majority nor Muslim. When Joseph and Mary went to the census, Christianity did not exist. It was Jews, nomadic tribes of Arabs, and Roman pagans. Islam wasn’t invented until Muhammad in 610 AD. Galilee and Judea were considered Jewish though under Roman rule. Hence, the census. “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” (Luke 2:4-5).
How did the Roman census serve to have the Messiah born exactly where Scripture foretold?
Today, by making sure there are no Jews remaining in Bethlehem, how does that dash any remaining Jewish expectation for the Messiah to be born there? How does that serve to discourage Jews in their Messianic hopes? How ought it help Jews of faith to reconsider that their Christ has, in fact, come?
Prayer:
Lord God, please use me to communicate the arrival of the Messiah 2000 years ago in a manger in Bethlehem and the ways in which He is presently fulfilling every expectation the Jewish people ever had regarding their Messiah. The ingathering of Jews has begun, the capital of the nation of Israel is Jerusalem, and You will return. We look to the clouds for Your coming and ask in today’s moment, You will help us to communicate the love of God “from the Jews for the world.” We praise You that You wrapped Him up in a tiny package of an unexpecting baby to be crucified as a man and to rise to the glory of God. We praise You for Your plan of salvation. Amen.
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