Little Town of Bethlehem

For many Christians a mention of the "little town of Bethlehem" will bring to mind nostalgic images of manger scenes, shepherds, starry nights, and, ironically, maybe even snow.

Mention Bethlehem here in Israel and very different images come to mind. Refugee camps, razor wire, concrete walls, and checkpoints are among the first things that come up. Especially the wall.

Tonight I went to the "world permier" showing of the movie Little Town of Bethlehem by EMG films. The movie follows three men, a Palestinian Christian, a Palestinian Muslim, and an Israeli Jew, as they talk about the conflict in Bethlehem (where the two Palestinians live) and their pursuit of a non-violent solution. It is aimed at a more American audience, but because it takes place here and was filmed here, the world premier of the movie is here. It was interesting to hear the Israelis and Palestinians who attended the showing comment on it afterwards. It was an interesting film, and they had some very valid comments, both supporting and criticizing the film.

While I don't want to spend lots of time talking about the issues presented by the movie and the comments afterward, I do want to encourage other Christians to not forget the modern Bethlehem as they celebrate events in the ancient Bethlehem this Christmas season. Remember our brothers and sister (there is even now a large Christian population there) who have lived under oppression their whole lives. I don't want to make a statement about whether Israel is right or wrong in its actions towards the Palestinians, but the fact is that life is not easy for them. Remember them and pray for them as some start to try to stem the tide of violence and as they yearn for peace.