How do we hear the Christmas story and celebrate in worship in the light of the catastrophe enveloping Palestinians and Israelis in real time? Dave Hardman, Methodist Liaison Officer with the Methodist Church, based ordinarily in Bethlehem but currently in the UK, suggested that the second candle of the Advent wreath – the Bethlehem candleContinue reading “Come, Prince of Peace”
Tag Archives: Gaza War 2023
When the world was dark…
The manger scene in Christmas Church Bethlehem this year has the Christ child among the rubble. ‘Beloved, in these difficult times let us comfort ourselves with God’s presence amid pain, and even amid death, for Jesus is no stranger to pain, arrest, torture, and death. He walks with us in our pain. God is underContinue reading “When the world was dark…”
How do we expand our aching hearts?
I’ve been back in Scotland for just over a month now. Plans and activities that were routine are now distant memories. I’m trying to plan ahead, looking to a return to Israel as Mission Partner based in Tiberias next to the Sea of Galilee. But there is so much to get my head around. TheContinue reading “How do we expand our aching hearts?”
Together in our hearts
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, has a marmite effect. You love her or hate her. Whenever she posts on Twitter (X) about an atrocity in Huwara or shootings and home demolitions elsewhere she receives a torrent of abuse. She is seen as very partisan, supporting the Palestinian cause, andContinue reading “Together in our hearts”
Stepping out of the boat... 