Christmas in Jerusalem

By Doug Rhind

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend Christmas in Jerusalem? Occasionally I have seen video footage from news reports and social media posts featuring pilgrims making their way from the old city of Jerusalem to Bethlehem, which is just a few kilometers south. The truth be told, the images fail to convey what I would envision Christmas to be like. In my mind, I envision Bethlehem as a picturesque, sleepy, pastoral village where the bleating of sheep waft over hills beneath the star-filled night skies. But all the media clips that I’ve seen are from removed from my version of idyllic tranquility. Pushy pilgrims, clamouring crowds, and road rage. Silent night— NOT!

This week, our Points of Interest series takes us to Jerusalem, the epicentre of life in this ancient near-east region of Palestine. In the hustle and bustle of commerce, travel, political activism and religion, did anyone take notice of the unusual celestial activity, the unexpected arrival of foreign dignitaries and word on the street that a baby had been born? This was no ordinary baby, for some were claiming that this child was born to be, King of the Jews. None of this escaped the notice of Herod, the ruling king of the Jews, and he was not about to let an infant disrupt his dynasty.

What happened in Jerusalem on this first Christmas in human history is a story filled with intrigue, fear, intimidation, neglect and hope. The lessons learned easily span the 2000 plus years that have since passed and impact our lives today. Join us this Sunday as we experience Christmas in Jerusalem.