Christmas and Wars

I still do not understand why or how a kid from Oklahoma was in Bethlehem on Christmas day. Nevertheless, I was there. I do understand why—I was leading a group from our Church. The how is also easily understood as we were touring the Holy Lands. I have fond memories of being in Bethlehem on several occasions, but especially that Christmas. Today’s news reports that Bethlehem is quiet, and the Church of the Nativity is closed due to the war. What a tragedy that the city and Church built over the cave where it is believed the Prince of Peace was born is now closed. Perhaps this is the Christmas message of 2023—the Price of Peace has been made unavailable and quiet because of wars happening in Israel, Ukraine, and other parts of our world. It would be a wonderful Christmas gift if the nations would study war no more. The Prince of Peace must be incredibly sad on this 2023 Christmas day.