At the present time the Holy Family would find no difficulty whatsoever in finding a room at the inn in the little town of Bethlehem. Nowadays the Holy Land, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Manger Square and the Church of the Holy Nativity are virtually pilgrim and tourist free zones.

I am sure that as Jesus looks over the Holy City of Jerusalem (The City of Peace) today He still weeps and laments at the killing and the violence that currently sullies the Holy Land. We know from the Gospels that Jesus was a non-violent person. But Christ also fought against injustice. I am sure that the Saviour's heart is heavy-laden as the death toll continues to rise.

The current Intafada began on September 23rd A.D. 2000 when Ariel Sharon decided to take his ill-conceived stroll upon the Temple Mount - the very place where the Temple once stood until Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled and Herod's Temple was destroyed by the 10th Roman Legion in AD7O. Now, that Temple Mount is adorned by a Moslem Mosque - the Dome of the Rock. When the leader of the Likud party took his brief perambulation upon those sacred stones he unleashed a golden basin full of scorpions, whose sting continues to be felt.

So, as we celebrate the Epiphany and the Nativity of the Prince of Peace let us continue - in the ancient and hallowed words of the Psalter - to

           "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem"

As we recall that great saving event that took place “Once in royal David’s city” let us particularly bring to mind the innocents (especially the children) who are caught up in the horrors of war. Jesus identified himself completely and in every way with us. I am sure that He identifies Himself completely with the suffering currently being experienced by those who live in the land of His birth.

         He was little, weak and helpless,
         Tears and smiles like us he knew:
         And he feeleth for our sadness,
         And He shareth in our gladness.

With Epiphany and New Year Blessings of Peace,

FATHER DAVID