Bethlehem

“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”–Matthew 2:6

We’ve been on yet another whirlwind of a journey.  Saturday we spent our time touring Bethlehem; the Church of the Nativity, the Shepherd’s Field, a Lutheran school and dinner at a bedouin tent, complete with working hookas.  It truly is an exhilerating experience to stand next to the manger and see the spot where tradition says Jesus was born.  A new sense of the word ‘impoverished’ is gained in the sight.

Probably the most impressive and inspiring moment of the day was an unscheduled visit to a Lutheran K-12 school, which educates 270 young people.  It is a blessing to know our church emerges as a leader in the teaching of peace and co-existence.

Our eventful days continued today while worshipping at Christmas Lutheran Church.  It was youth Sunday and a variety of youth participated in the service, included a dialogue sermon. From there we traveled to the Holocaust museum which is truly a somber walk.

Through the day we were surrounded by sights and sounds blatantly conveying the dire and urgent need to be Jesus’ hands and feet in a world where intolerance and hatred reign supreme.  The Lutheran Church in Palestine is small, yet we learn that here are leaders for a new world; here are being raised up God’s messengers to change the world with the Gospel of Jesus.

I truly cannot wait to get home to share my experience.  There is something about the journey that holds one in either speechless awe, dumbfounded by the overwhelming sights and situations; or it captivates the pilgrim so that they can’t shut up about it.

I leave it to you to guess which one I’ll be…