This will be a sign for you. ~ Luke 2:12
The history of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a microcosm of the region’s conflicts, which span a millennium.
In the 11th-century the church was so besieged that the entrance was reconfigured with a very low door — ostensibly so marauders couldn’t ride in on horseback to snatch the candlesticks.
In 2002 the church was the center of a highly publicized occupation and stand-off.
The use of the building itself is currently divided between three groups — Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, and Greek Orthodox. The three groups manage to share the Grotto of the Nativity, the ancient shrine beneath, which supposedly marks the exact spot of Jesus’ birth with a 14-pointed star.*
I light a candle and wonder how Jesus feels about his trifurcated birthplace.
Have you experienced division in your home or community?
Prayer: O Lord, have mercy.
This material is adapted from my book, Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land.
The photo is mine, taken in the Church of the Nativity, descending the stairs to the Grotto of the Nativity.
*Why 14 points on the star? Don’t look it up! Put your guess in the comments.
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