Glory to God in the Highest!!

According to Luke (2:8-20), angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus to shepherds tending their flocks outside Bethlehem with the words, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” During our recent trip to Israel and the West Bank, we had the opportunity to visit the hills outside of Bethlehem where the shepherds received this announcement (see picture above). We were surprised to see how much these hills resembled the rocky topography of Haiti. On the night when the shepherds visited Mary and Jesus, the angels proclaimed peace on earth. This is the peace we proclaim in Christ’s name in Haiti. Outside of Bethlehem, this peace is hard to see as a twenty-foot high concrete barrier is being built to separate Israelis and Palestinians. In Haiti, this peace can be difficult to see as well as the squares and streets are still full of tents and shelters for displaced people since the earthquake in 2010. Nevertheless, this Christmas we are called to work and pray for the peace proclaimed on the hills of Bethlehem so long ago. The baby born on Christmas is the “Prince of Peace!”