In all this talk about donkeys and babies in a manager I somehow forget that Bethlehem is a real place. Just as real now as it was at the time of Jesus' birth. But for the past few years I've watched this short video and it helps me to remember:

It helps me to remember that there are people in Bethlehem today. People God loves. People Jesus was born to save.

People. Mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, nieces, nephews, step-families, fiancées, girlfriends, boyfriends, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Babies, children, teenagers and adults. People.

We celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace in a place where, today, people are suffering daily from injustice and conflict. I am so thankful for the promise of the Prince of Peace. It not only gives us hope in a world that can seem so full of conflict and hate but it also gives us hope in taking action, knowing that we live in the tension of the now and not yet.

Advent Words of Hope from the Amos Trust:

Gracious God. In this 50th year of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories, we long for a year of Jubilee for Palestine and Israel.

When all the inhabitants of the Holy Land will know liberation and hope.

That the occupation will cease and that there will be a long-term peace.

We long for a time when neighbours will no longer live in fear of one another, and differences will be celebrated.

God of Justice, we ask that equal rights will flourish under just laws that protect all people, so that all who call the Holy Land home will be able to celebrate their freedom and security alongside one another.

Holy God in this the centenary year of the Balfour Declaration:

We lament one hundred years of pain and injustice, in which Palestinians have been devalued and mistreated. We lament our country’s duplicity and double dealing and the failed attempts to bring peace and justice.

We pray that the strength and vision of Palestinian and Israeli peace activists will be renewed and that we will continue to stand with those who have so inspired us.

At this time of Advent, we ask this in the name of the one who is able to lift us from the valley of despair to the bright mountaintop of hope.

We stand this day with those whose freedom is denied.

We stand with those who have fled war, torture and despair.

We come in penance for broken promises and political fixes.

We walk the long road with all those who strive for peace, justice and reconciliation.

We weep with those who long to return to home.

We pray in hope that one day all people in the Holy Land will live in peace, as neighbours with full equal rights.

The people living in darkness have seen a great light. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. Isaiah 9v6-7

Not done your Christmas giving yet?

Rachel to the rescue (you're welcome) -- simply support the Amos Trust's work with local and international peace activists, and partnering with grass-roots projects, to call for a just peace, reconciliation and full equal rights for all who calls the Holy Land home.

Donate here: http://www.amostrust.org/give/amos-palestine/

 

“My life is in Um al-Khair. It is not an easy life but I cannot leave. Sometimes I have panic attacks because I see my dream broken. I believe, like my father did, that we have the right to live without the constant threat of demolition, to have enough clean water, to have good houses that we can live in during all seasons, and for all of us to live without fear.” Iman, resident of Um al-Khair in the South Hebron Hills. 

Despite home demolitions, ongoing movement restrictions and intolerable living conditions, the people in Gaza and the South Hebron Hills remain steadfast (Sumud), in their hope for freedom, peace and justice and ask for us to stand with them. For those living under a brutal occupying force, it is invaluable. It takes our time, it requires our effort and it needs our financial support now more than ever we need to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Join me in standing with people like Iman and donate to the Amos Trust here http://www.amostrust.org/give/christmas-appeal-2017/