Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, carries a profound legacy of hope and promise. Over 2,000 years ago, wise men traveled to this small town, following a star, bringing gifts, and bowing in adoration before the newborn King. Yet today, Bethlehem tells a different story—one of resilience in the face of hardship. Once a thriving Christian community, it has seen its population dwindle, with Christians making up only 10% of the city’s residents, down from 86% in 1950. Economic instability, political tension, and conflict have left many struggling to stay.
And yet, Bethlehem’s story is not one of despair. It is one of perseverance and faith. Manger Square may be quiet this Christmas, but the call of O Come, All Ye Faithful still echoes: “Come and adore Him.” This is not just an invitation to celebrate; it is a reminder to reflect on how we, like the wise men, can bring gifts of hope to a world in need.
Hope in Action: Bethlehem’s Families As Christian Women For Israel, we embrace this call to action by supporting 225 families in Bethlehem every year with food baskets. These families, descendants of the first Christians, hold fast to their faith, living in the very place where the Savior was born.
One recipient recently shared, “These baskets remind us that God provides through His people. We may live in hardship, but our hope is in the Lord.”
Through this act of love, we honor Bethlehem’s legacy and the enduring promise of Christ’s birth.
A Call to Prayer: Hostages in Gaza The story of hope extends beyond Bethlehem. The modern-day challenges of the Middle East remind us that the need for light in the darkness has never been greater. President-elect Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, has recently met with leaders in Qatar and Israel, seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiating the release of hostages. While these efforts are a step forward, the families of those held captive, like Emily Damari’s, continue to endure unimaginable uncertainty.
Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American soldier from Tenafly, New Jersey. His plight came to light in a haunting propaganda video released by Hamas, where Edan, visibly distressed, pleaded for his life and called on leaders to take action. “Every day that passes, the pain increases,” he said, urging President-elect Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intervene.
As Christians, we are called to pray fervently, trusting in the God who brings captives home and sets prisoners free. The words of Romans 12:12 guide us: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Are we faithfully praying for Edan and the other hostages?
What Can We Learn From Bethlehem? Bethlehem teaches us that even in the smallest, most unassuming places, God’s greatest promises are fulfilled. It is a reminder that light can shine brightest in the darkest times. Just as the wise men followed a star to Jesus, we are invited to seek Him with the same faith and courage, offering our gifts of prayer, advocacy, and solidarity.
In this season of miracles, we must ask ourselves: What gifts will we bring to honor the King? Will we, like the wise men, bow in adoration and bring our best to a world that so desperately needs hope?
A Cultural Moment to Reflect As Christians, we live in a world where hope can feel scarce. The challenges in Bethlehem mirror the struggles faced by so many—displacement, persecution, and the fear of an uncertain future. And yet, the message of Christmas is unchanging: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Our faith calls us to be that light, to stand boldly for truth and justice, and to reflect the hope of Christ in all we do. By supporting Bethlehem’s families, praying for hostages, and wearing symbols like the yellow ribbon lapel pin, we embody the hope that came to us in the form of a baby in a manger.
This Christmas, let’s not just sing O Come, All Ye Faithful. Let’s live it. Let’s come, let us adore Him, and let our adoration inspire us to act—for such a time as this.
Take Action Today:
- Reflect on the enduring story of Bethlehem and the gift of hope it represents.
- Pray for families in Bethlehem and for the safe return of hostages.
- Support Bethlehem’s Christian families with food baskets.
When we give, pray, and act, we extend the light of Christ into the dark places, reminding our Christian brothers and sisters in Bethlehem that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten. And in doing so, we are saying, "come, let us adore Him," as we reflect the hope and love of Christ to a world in need.
