In 2018, I was privileged to travel with several members of St. Luke’s to Israel. Part of our pilgrimage took us into the wonderful town of Bethlehem. The beautiful community of Bethlehem is filled with historical wonders. It is the city of King David, and it is the birthplace of Jesus, our Lord. Today, the ancient is surrounded by the modern.
When we visited Bethlehem, we went to see the Church of the Nativity. This beautiful church is built on top of what is said to be the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. We went to the Nissan Brothers store in Bethlehem. This amazing place was filled with hand-crafted treasures, mostly made from olive wood. Their workshop was in their store, and it was so amazing to see the work being done. I brought home several things to help remember my experience.
As we explored the beautiful city of Bethlehem, I found one place where I could truly feel the presence of God. It was not in one of the beautiful, ancient churches. It was not in the busy streets and shops of Bethlehem, but in a field, just outside of the city.
Just to the east of Bethlehem are green fields that run through a large valley. There are caves in that valley that shepherds would use to keep their flocks. There are many beautiful chapels built in this area. These chapels were built to remember one of the great events of the New Testament. This is the place where the angel is said to have appeared to the shepherds. It was apart from the small city of David that God’s angel said, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:10-12
As I stood in the Shepherd’s Field, and looked back to the city of Bethlehem, I could imagine that night so clearly. The shepherds were alone, away from family, friends, the comforts of the town, and the community. The darkness of night would bring worry as they kept their flocks safe from predators. It was into this darkness and distance from Bethlehem that an angel of the Lord appeared. The light shattered the darkness and the announcement that was made closed the distance — not the distance from the fields to the city, but the distance from heaven to earth.
Advent is the season when we are reminded that God is at work in the world. It does not matter where we are, a distant valley or in the middle of the city. It does not matter who we are, for we are all children of God. It does not matter how dark the moments of our life may be. God, in grace, sends His Son and with Jesus we all find the gift of peace. In the dark, distant streets of Bethlehem has been born, “…good news and great joy for all the people.”
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
