Two stories from Bethlehem, the first is from the BBC 

The second from a friend of a friend,

“What would Jesus do, what would Jesus say”

This was the heading of the Christmas message from

the Mayor and Council and Citizens of Beit Sahour, Bethlehem

to us – and to the world:

“The City Council Members, the Municipality and the citizens of Beit Sahour – join me to send a message of peace and love to you this blessed Christmas season.

 

This will be the 41^st year we celebrate these holidays under Israeli occupation. We are now completely surrounded from three sides by Israeli settlements and by the segregation wall. The remaining side to the East has been targeted by settlers who extensively provoke us by insisting on building a settlement there. Yet, we believe the message of the Prince of Peace will triumph in the Holy Land with your support. Most of our citizens cannot even get to Occupied Jerusalem, a mere 7 miles away.

 

When Jesus was born less than 500 yards from where we will light our town Christmas tree, this land of the shepherds was occupied by a foreign army. Today our own children live in fear and deprivation. Unemployment is at 45% and our highly skilled and educated people are continuously emigrating seeking better opportunities to fulfil their legitimate dreams and ambitions.

 

It is in this context that we were reminded by the heads of the churches/denominations in occupied Palestine that “we need to ask ourselves 'What would Jesus do, what would Jesus say.' Then, our thoughts and ideas of His actions and words must be translated into the daily life of our community – particularly in this Holy Land.”

 

We ask all our friends and supporters to pray for us and to help us achieve peace in the land where Jesus was born. We wish you all a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless you."

 

Hani Al-Hayek, Mayor of Beit Sahour 

A sermon for Advent 4 and the baptism of Milly.

No doubt the visit of the Angel and the news that he brought is a shock for Mary - is there an opportunity for Mary to say no? - many talk of her courage, faith in saying yes - but do any of us have any choice when God calls?

Wonder of the nativity passages is that they make clear that Jesus’ paternity was doubted - it clearly was not Joseph, and Luke and Matthew tell us it was God - is that what Mary told her family, the village, did anyone believe her? We don’t know - what we do know is that she accepted God’s call. She may not have had a choice, she may, like so many women through all time need to react to the reality of an unplanned pregnancy - what to do? abort? disappear? abandon? adopt? Mary says Yes, not just to be the carrier of this baby but to become a Mother with all that entails and with it the hopes and expectations that come with this child - 

Whether planned or unplanned, making room for babies in our lives places demands upon our lives. Change in status, worldview; constraints on time and actions; expense; worry; hopes for the future, expectations - that is the Yes that Mary has said - to motherhood and the hope that this child brings  

His mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away empty.

Mary made room for Jesus in her life. Can we make room for Jesus at Christmas in amongst the parties, the present giving, the family demands? Can we make room for Jesus in our daily life in amongst the demands of work or school, of the social commitments and desires, can we find time to join with others in fellowship and worship? As parents & godparents who have promised to teach Milly the love of God and bring her up in the life and worship of the Church. That will take time and commitment, it will be about making room for Jesus in your lives and in the life of Milly in amongst all the other things you need to do, want to do. 

May we all find ways to respond with Mary “I am the Lord’s servant! let it happen as you have said”

So Just Five days to go, guess I better start thinking about Christmas. No presents bought just yet or hymns chosen for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although I did spend yesterday on putting together 12 images for Christmas which will be the basis for Christmas Eve and then appear on here for twelve days (see it's not just thrown together)

But for today we are still preparing and none more so that Mary who will be the focus of tomorrows service. My own thoughts can wait for tomorrow but they have been given a prod by Lawrence on Disclosing New Worlds, it's great to see him back and in such good form. Here is his offering for tomorrow. and then go back and see Liz Mullen's Christmas Sermons once Christmas has arrived.