In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ~Luke 2:8
We are in Bethlehem to visit a shepherds cave. Perhaps Jesus was born in a cave like this. Undoubtedly the shepherds who attended his birth spent time in a cave like this.
The field we cross to access the cave is long and sloping, with scraggly grass and plentiful rocks. We descend steps carved out of rock, into a natural rock cave. We crowd under the low roof, which is sooty from the smoke of campfires.
A Palestinian Christian named Sam tells us about the shepherds and sheep which used this cave for centuries. I have preached on scriptures about sheep and shepherds for years, so his words bring instant associations into my mind. I realize I’ve had the wrong images, the wrong connotations, all these years; I’ve been preaching them wrong all these years.
The power of the scripture passes over me in physical waves. Being here gives new resonance to the Christmas narrative I thought I knew so well. Why would a Deity choose such a humble birth?
What word are you eager to hear anew this Lent?
Prayer: O Spirit, give me new ears.
This material is adapted from my book, Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land.
The photo is mine, taken in Bethlehem.
Leave a Reply