November 27, 2023 - Good Morning! It's Monday, November 27.
"CHRISTMAS CANCELLED IN BETHLEHEM!" I saw this news headline a few days ago, the sad news that the town where Christmas began wouldn't be open for holiday pilgrims this year. This is, of course, because of the unrest in the Holy Land. Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, just outside of Jerusalem, an area where millions of Palestinians live. The danger for tourists is just too great. A sad note for this holiday season.
My church, First Baptist Center, is recreating Old Bethlehem, as a Christmas gift to our community. The December 8-10 event features 30 costumed characters in six outdoor scenes, with a dozen nativity animals. "Journey to Bethlehem" is in its second year, and, if you're a local reader, we invite you and yours to join us. Go to fbccenter.org for more info, photos from last year, and to reserve free tickets.
As I reflect on New Bethlehem today, and the wars and rumors of wars in our world, I'm reminded of this verse from an old carol about Old Bethlehem, that "little town."
O morning stars together
Proclaim Thy holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And peace to men on earth
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
