Jesus in the rubble
Nativity scene in Bethlehem
Jesus in the rubble, this phrase has been like an unwanted guest on automatic repeat in my head since the start of this holy season.
Several weeks ago, I learned that Christian churches in the occupied West Bank, including Bethlehem, decided to cancel all Christmas festivities this year. Out of a posture of lament, Bethlehem’s Lutheran church’s annual nativity scene was designed to reflect the realities of being born in Palestine (Gaza and West Bank) today. Imagining Jesus was one of the infants born today in Bethlehem, church leaders placed a symbolic Baby Jesus in a manger of rubble and destruction.
There is so much grief and gratitude wrapped in this idea of the newborn Jesus lying in the rubble.
Grief over:
Orphaned and injured children.
Grieving mothers and fathers.
Our human capacity to do profound harm to one another.
My complicity in human oppression by choosing safety and fear over love.
Gratitude:
Jesus God incarnate chooses solidarity with the oppressed.
Jesus sees me in my suffering and dwells with me in it.
That even when we choose to dim the lights for a season of lament, the gift of The Christ child shines brighter.
So here I sit this Christmas season, grief-stricken over my painful losses and human atrocities happening around the world. Yet, I am mysteriously grateful to have a God who sits with me, with us in the rubble – Emmanuel.
This reflection was written by Tamara Ramirez. She is a trained spiritual director and registered nurse. You can read her full bio here.