Waiting in a long line on Christmas Day years ago to enter Notre Dame in Paris, I basked in the sun and the ethereal wisps of worship sung by outdoor musicians.
But there was something unsettling there too.
Protesters? What were they saying? I don’t remember exactly what their signs and words were, but it was something like,
“Remember Bethlehem!”
They called out to us, challenging the tourists to not ignore the conflict in the birthplace of Jesus on the very day we celebrated his birth.
And now, basking in the sparkling glow of lights in my cozy Christmas living room, the same sharp, unsettling cry pierces my thoughts,
“Remember Bethlehem!”
How can we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace while financing war?
How can we sing “Silent Night” as bombs explode deafeningly?
How still does Bethlehem lie as fighting rages on?
Is it Glory to God or glory to earthly powers?
How can we love our brothers and sisters while financing the killing of Palestinian Christians and the bombing of their churches?
As Palestinian pastor Munthar Isaac says, “World political powers... say our annihilation is needed to keep the people of Israel safe. They offer us as sacrifices on the altar of atonement, as we pay the price for their sins with our lives.”
Remember Bethlehem.
Does a horrific attack justify three months of horrific killing?
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. . . Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink." Romans 12:19-21
How can we love our enemies as we are commanded to do while financing their destruction?
And what if our supposed enemies could actually be our friends?
If Jesus had wanted us to serve him militarily, wouldn’t he have left military instructions?
Jesus did not say a single word to encourage violence. Not one.
Rather, he did exactly the opposite.
Love your enemies.
Turn the other cheek. Give the cloak. Walk the mile.
Not passively absorbing violence but
stopping its growth
by challenging the violence
and actively seeking, supporting, and working toward peace.
Jesus’ kingdom is not a political one, but one of the heart. That is where the true battle lies.
Remember Bethlehem.
And to you protesters who left me with an unsettled and uncomfortable feeling on Christmas Day, thank you.