Christ Is Born - Glorify Him

The theme in Bethlehem this Christmas is "Christ Is Born - Glorify Him" which is what the Arabic calligraphy pictured above reads. The caaligraphy is by Palestinian artist Adel Nasser. A recent Episcopal Life news article Town of Bethlehem rests more peacefully this Christmas tells of this Christmas in Bethlehem. A million tourists are expected this Christmas booking more than 5,000 rooms in the area, which is 5.5 miles south of Jerusalem. Presumably, there is still room in a stable or two, but they may be about it this Christmas.

The Christians in Israel are mostly Palestinians and there are numerous shows of Palestinian art, music, theatre and folk dancing timed for the Christmas celebration in the town of Jesus birth. It wasn't so many years ago that there was violence in Bethlehem (see previous religion column here: Put people First on the Path to Peace).

This year, we give thanks for peace.

There is also an interesting Episcopal Life article: TENNESSEE: Myanmar refugees bring Advent story alive for rural church