Saturday, December 28, 2002 1:29 PM

Advent in Bethlehem

..and you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least among the leaders of Judah, for from you will come a leader who will shepherd my people Israel. (Matthew 6)

Bethlehem, Advent 2002

Advent in Bethlehem, where the Word was made Flesh in a little stable as there was no room in the inn; where the fulfillment of our Salvation History began with the birth of our Saviour; where the Silent Night, the Holy Night happened; where shepherds were the first to adore the Christ child in the manger; Bethlehem is by no means the least of the leaders of Judah…

All is very different this Advent. Bethlehem has been reduced to a large prison, where tens of thousands live under curfew and siege. No freedom of movement is possible unless the curfew is lifted once or twice a week for a few hours. The people of the region then rush out of their homes to take care of the most necessary things before they hear once more the call for a renewed curfew. Those who are not off the streets in time are teargassed. “We are not a city full of terrorists, why must we suffer collective punishment because of those who disseminate death?” we hear them say in distress.

During curfew lifts the streets, the shops, public offices, hospitals etc. are overcrowded with people. Schools open for a few hours; those few who still have work rush to make some shekels. Everything has to be rushed. Much needs to be done in a short time. A large number of the population use these few hours of curfew lifts to join the long queues at social services, as they are no longer able to support themselves. They seek food and medicine; milk for their children and other basic items that a family needs to survive. The 80% unemployment rate in the region means a major crisis for many.

Our ‘little Beit Miriam Project on wheels’ is operating exactly in this area of the Holy Land. Taking care of those the Lord calls ‘the oppressed’ and of these the ones that have no help from others. Beit Miriam reaches out to them. To date, we take care of around 150 families each month thanks to your generous contributions following Jesus’ desire to ‘feed the poor’. It is those in distress who come to ask for the basic needs to survive. With tears in their eyes, they plead for help. Beit Miriam provides them with emergency relief, mainly food with sufficient protein, minerals, and vitamins to avoid malnutrition. Now, as winter has also begun in the hill country of Judea, people need blankets, kerosene to heat their little portable stoves, warm underwear for children and shoes. During our last aid distribution (December 13th), we could find no powdered milk in the shops – all sold out. Due to the curfew restrictions milk and other groceries could not reach the region via the checkpoints. Children suffer from lack of milk..

Advent in Bethlehem this year does not mean lights, decorations, joyful singing and dancing in preparation for the Lord’s birth – no – Advent in Bethlehem this year means tanks, troops, humiliations, fear, weariness of suffering, resignation, cold and hunger. The Christians in the region are happy if they can reach the church for Sunday Mass during curfew. Advent in Bethlehem this year does not mean gifts for the children, family, and friends. It is just the ongoing struggle for survival, people in search of their daily bread. In search of peace and hopefully in search of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who one day will restore Peace in His Home country too.

All this suffering will not go in vain. For in God nothing is in vain. May we, in solidarity, offer their hardship to God in prayer. He will receive it like incense rising before His Holy Throne. May God then descend on His people and call the oppressed, for in Bethlehem a Saviour was born for our salvation; “He has come to open the eyes of the blind, to free the captives from prison and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.” (Is.42: 2). They then will cry out in thanksgiving: “The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. (Is 9:1-2) Blessed be our Lord, the God of Mercy, for He has visited His people. He has come to their rescue, He has come to give Light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death. Glory be to Him who comes to guide our feet into the way of Peace and Love. (TLIG 24.12.1989).

Until this day of Glory visits the home country of our Beloved Jesus, let us please Him together by meeting with His desire:

“Now listen to Me and write these words: establish Our Beth Myriams everywhere you can. Lift the oppressed and help the orphan. Protect Me, rescue Me from the gutter, shelter Me and feed Me. Unload My burden and fatigue; support Me and encourage Me. All that you do to the least of My brethren you do it to Me… I bless the supporters of My life. May they remain virtuous and all-loving. I am with you. IC ” (Jesus, April 22, 2002)

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to you all for your faithful support in helping us provide for those that Jesus wishes to feed through the ‘little Beit Miriam on wheels’ in the Holy Land.

We wish you a joyful and Blessed Christmas season and God’s abundant grace and peace for 2003.

Beit Miriam Team – Holy Land

P.SIf you wish to support Beit Myriam, we highly recommend that you send cheques via registered mail for safety. Transactions may be made to Mary’s House Account at Bank Leumi, Branch 901, Main Branch Jerusalem, Jaffa Street, Acc. Nr. 32701/34. For more details please visit: /bmdonations.html