Arrived in Bethlehem

Yesterday we departed the Muslim Quarter of Old City Jerusalem. Before catching a Palestinian bus we visited the Garden Tomb. The tomb could be the garden of Joseph of Arimathea in which Jesus was buried after his crucifixion. On the premises is a beautiful garden like area with a burial tomb, a giant rainwater cistern (the biggest ever found in the area), an ancient wine press and a place called Skull Hill (a skull shaped cliff). While visiting this site we met a wonderful American family currently living in Qatar (located in the Middle East). Mariella and I were impressed by amiability of their children (similar to the Cotter Clan in Belfast). The brief meeting was a refreshing way to start the day. The carving on the door to the entrance of the cave sums up my initial experience in the “Holy Land”, a location where there are many monuments stating that such and such event occurred at such and such location. The quote on the door reads, “He is not here- for He is risen.” This is a reminder to me of the presence of the Living God in our lives. Although the history and ruins are amazing, the presence of and power of Christ in our lives is much more significant and tangible.
Eventually we caught a bus to Bethlehem. The wall built around the Palestinian Territory is unsettling. At one point on the bus ride I saw a group of high school aged students exiting their school located on the inside of the wall. It looked as though the students were caged in their town. We entered Palestinian territory and Bethlehem easily with no passport checks. We just drove through the checkpoint. Our friends working on the Jesus Trail connected us with a Palestinian travel organization that sets travelers up with Palestinian families. We are being hosted by a wonderful family who has welcomed us as their own. We are staying in an area called Beit Sahour next to a location called
“Shepherd’s Fields”. This is the traditional location where shepherds who visited Jesus in his manger are said to have tended their flocks. I was surprised that Bethlehem sits up on a hill. I always pictured the area to be flat. It is very hilly area. We will go exploring the area today. It is exciting to be here in December and listening to Christmas music brings a greater aura of enchantment to the little town of Bethlehem. I am happy we visited this area after exploring the Galilee region where Jesus lived and did most of his miracles, followed by Jerusalem where he wept over the city and was innocently crucified and powerfully conquered the grave and now, we are in Bethlehem, the place where Jesus (or Emmanuel meaning God with us) entered the world. While kings and kingdoms have passed away the reality of God’s redeeming love continues to live and move, transforming the ones He came to seek and save. This is a love story unlike any I have ever known.