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December 19, 2006
Room at the Inn
by Tina Grazier
"But you Bethlehem, though you are small, out of you will come for me, one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." The prophet Micah
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is a city steeped in history and tradition. Today it is a place of persecution and strife. Tourists are choosing to stay away and the Christians living there are being persecuted and driven from the area.
Life for Palestinian Christians such as 50-year-old Joseph has become increasingly difficult in Bethlehem - and many of them are leaving. The town's Christian population has dwindled from more than 85 per cent in 1948 to 12 per cent of its 60,000 inhabitants in 2006. ..."We have 65 per cent unemployment and about 2,000 bedrooms in hotels that are empty."
Mary and Joseph would not find it difficult to find a room in Bethlehem today. As we celebrate Christmas this year let us be mindful of those who are facing the harsher realities of life in the Middle East and give thanks for the unalienable rights we enjoy, including the right to practice our religion.
Find the story, "Oh Muslim town of Bethlehem" HERE
Posted by Post Scripts at December 19, 2006 06:03 PM