The Holy Land

My wife and children were packing and preparing for visiting the Holy Land. The excitement in the house was electrifying. It was as if Christmas has arrived sooner than it normally does. Initially I had not intended to go but then on the persuasion of my wife and children and of course getting the ‘OK’ from my Incumbent [Fr. Mike Sheffield] I was also packed up. When I arrived in Tel Aviv I kissed the Ground as a gesture thanking God for bringing me safely to the soil where once my Lord and saviour had walked.

I had never thought that I will ever visit the Holy Land but here I was making my pilgrimage to the very place. As soon as we were all packed into the coach, the guide started his commentary and we headed towards our Hotel in Jerusalem. We stayed in Mount of Olives Hotel which is a stone throw away from the exact spot of the Mount of Ascension.

Every place I visited in the coming days had a profound effect on me, however, I wish to share my experience of the trip to Bethlehem. This was the place where Jesus was born. Where choirs of Angels sung to him and the Shepherds on hearing the good news of the saviour was born unto them came to see him. One can not help but feel the sensation, the humming, the buzzing, the entire ambience of that very first night when the divine had transformed into human. I was filled with humbleness and thanks giving, I could not help but praise God for the magnificent gift to humanity given in the face of Jesus.

This, the very place where the word became flesh and dwelt among us.

For me, one of the most poignant places I visited was where Jesus was born. This is where the history of salvation had begun. The salvation from the bondage of sins. I did not have a great deal of time only a few moments as one has to be mindful of other pilgrims who are filtering through to see the very holy Spot of our saviours birth.

Although the land is Holy but still is marred by division, treachery, threats of war and the on going bloodshed. We Christians have been assigned to Love our neighbour as ourselves, therefore, beloved take time this Christmas to pray especially for this Holy yet broken land and its people.

As far as my experience goes, I will never forget the land and its people because they reminded me so much of the scriptures that are part of my everyday life. Bless Jerusalem and all those who live there.

Their hearts are divided by the difference of faith;
Their land is divided by a wall.
Genetically they claim to be  the children of one,
I’m not certain if I can take their word.
As a Christian, I know where I stand;
I stand between the two,
To pray for my right and pray for my left,
In reality as all Christians do.

Timon Singh