Open your hearts, so that the King of Glory may come in!
Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
By Fr. Dan McKean

The village of Bethlehem is about five miles south of Jerusalem. In ancient times it was the capital of Judah. The people of Jesus’ day made their livelihood as shepherds. It certainly was not a great city like Rome, Alexandria or Athens, but it would take center stage in the birth of Christianity. While Bethlehem was not a commercial or cultural center, it did have biblical significance. Bethlehem was King David’s family home and the place where he was anointed king. Those who awaited the Messiah believed that he would be born from the family of David. God had promised David an everlasting dynasty.

Even the name Bethlehem, which translates as "house of bread," made it a suitable place for the birth of Jesus, who is the bread of life. Bethlehem was also an important destination for those on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the Holy City. This is the place where they would purchase their lambs to be offered in sacrifice in the temple. Jesus is spoken of as the Passover lamb, the one by whose blood sinners would be forgiven, and by whom the people would be empowered to pass over from death to life. Born in this humble city, Jesus would be the lamb of sacrifice and the shepherd of God’s flock.

Even at the time of Jesus’ birth, Bethlehem of Judea was under the control of the Roman Empire. During the seventh century, Muslim Arab armies came from the south (Arabia) and conquered most of the Middle East. This Arab influence would continue until the early 1900s. The Middle East would hardly know a time of peace. In every generation both Jews and Arabs would have to flee to find safety from invading armies.

Ironically, in the early 1900s, it would be immigrating Jews who would be living in small settlements. In 1880, about 24,000 Jews were living in what was known as Palestine, out of a population of about 400,000. Severe restrictions were placed upon Jewish immigration and land purchases. How different the situation is now.

As the oppression of Jews in Eastern Europe grew, millions of Jews would soon become the majority population and they were set on creating a Jewish homeland. The conflict between Jews and Arabs would brew throughout history. Even when Israel became a nation it was hoped that the rights of those non-Jews would be respected. Israel, and especially Bethlehem, which now sits in the disputed area called the West Bank, would inevitably be in conflict with the Palestinian Arabs. There would be the War of Independence in 1948 and the significant Six-Day War in 1967. Israel would show itself to be a significant military power and would acquire extensive territories.

"O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!" These are beautiful lyrics, but far from reality. The birth of Jesus not only brought the wrath of King Herod, but would be the excuse for much conflict and hatred. Who owns, or controls Bethlehem would not only be an Arab and Jewish question, but history would also see Christians fighting over this holy and revered town.

As a seminarian, I had the opportunity to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, in 1984. Even then the tension in the town was obvious. These past few years tourism in the area has almost completely dried-up as the Israeli government has closed the town for security reasons.

O, little town of Bethlehem, you were chosen as the portal of salvation. Still, another Christmas will come and go in a world that has yet to open its heart so that the King of Glory may come in.

Our prayer on this last Sunday of Advent is that Christ may find an open door in our hearts. Let us live as a people of hope, knowing that God still loves the world enough to send His Son.