CPTnet
6 December 2007
BETHLEHEM REFLECTION: "No Way to the Inn"; Waiting for the Light

by Lorne Friesen

[Note: For more information on the "No Way to the Inn" campaign, visit:
http://www.cpt.org/campaigns/no_way_to_the_inn/description.php For campaign
photos, visit: http://www.cpt.org/gallery/NoWayToTheInn]

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in
the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:2

How does one describe "darkness?" Darkness can be a metaphor for the most
difficult and hopeless experiences of one's life. Darkness can describe
personal tragedies and traumas, but it can also describe the experiences of
peoples and nations. Darkness is the place where hope is hard to find. It
is the place where doubt seems to overwhelm us, where we question our own
convictions and question the promises of others.

During Advent, many churches reflect upon life without hope. The scripture
readings take us back to the nativity story and the hope that it offers to
all peoples. However, today, the land of Palestine again lives under
occupation. Darkness in this "holy place" is stifling. Almost all families
within both the Israeli and Palestinian communities are grieving the death
of family members who have died by violence. The Israelis rejoice in a
country that they can call their own, one that they can govern, but their
memories of racial hatred continue to haunt them. The Palestinians find
little to rejoice about, having lost so much of their land, their economic
base and their way of life. Their hopelessness is exacerbated by threats of
home demolitions, of the military invading their homes without warning, of
unreasonable arrests, detentions, and beatings of adults and young boys. It
is also exacerbated by a world that seems to have lost sight of them.

Isaiah said, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light." How
long do people need to live in darkness before light comes? How long do you
grieve the loss of loved ones through needless violence? How many people
abandon any hope that the light will dawn upon them? How many generations
pass away before the birth of this "light?"

When light comes, it most often breaks in gently, and is recognized only by
a few people. In the West Bank today, we see signs of this light beginning
to dawn. Many Palestinians, when asked what gives them hope, will answer
the birth of a child. We see hope in the conviction of some Israelis and
Palestinians that the conflict can only be resolved through nonviolence.
Just as in the Nativity story, the powers of darkness will do their best to
put out the light. The construction of the separation wall drives this
land into an even deeper darkness. Pray for God's light to break down the
barriers to peace and hope.