Our bus traveled south from Jerusalem and headed toward the wall. We stopped while young soldiers with guns slung casually over their shoulders checked our passports.
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Our Jewish guide was replaced with a Palestinian Christian, and we were allowed to proceed. Soon we were walking toward the entrance of the ancient Church of the Nativity and the probable place where God revealed himself as a baby.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
We joined hundreds of other pilgrims waiting to see the garish silver star that marks the traditional epicenter of that greatest of gifts. I maneuvered my wheel-chair-bound friend around the crowd to the back entrance and soon found ourselves in the tiny room watching as the travelers bowed to honor that holy place.
How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.
As we left the crowds and clamor and moved back out to Manger Square and our waiting bus, the wailing of loudspeakers calling Muslims to prayer echoed across the darkening hills; the same place where shepherds heard angels sing two thousand years ago. I silently prayed that Jesus would reveal himself again in this place.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
The good news is that we can receive the gift today that was announced that Christmas evening. Jesus came to save people from their sins. He died in our place. He was raised and now intercedes for us in heaven!
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
Put your faith in Jesus now by believing and trusting Him and receive the greatest gift this Christmas. May you discover the hope that was born in Bethlehem. †
—Adapted from Proclamation!, November/December 2008.
- Dale Ratzlaff’s Memorial Homily - March 7, 2024
- Walking In the Light: A Journey Out of Adventism - February 15, 2024
- I Chose My Mountain - June 8, 2023
Richard, excellent article. Good to see you taking a more active part in the writing. You have a large ministry now and in the future.
Dale