Stromata

Relic of Manger close-up

Another day closer to Christmas. The decorations at New Gate are almost finished but sadly we cannot put anything up of New Gate or outside it ... because ultra-orthodox jews object. Somehow we must go through this every year. A little tolerance could go a long way but in this City only the extremists rule. Those who shout the loudest reign. The message of Christmas ... of peace and love ... has no place in their hearts or minds.

Grilled chicken

More attacks on arab property by jewish extremists. Cars and buildings defaced with threats. It's appalling how this can continue 3 weeks in a row and nobody is arrested. And you can be sure in the newspapers, reports of archaeological finds disparaging Christianity will soon be printed. It happens every year at Christmas and Easter.

Now news coming in to say Israel has turned off the electricity to Gaza because Gaza has not been paying its debts. Imagine the poor people suffering in this cold without heating and lights or hot food.

Somehow all the news today is not good. I guess that's all the more important for us to keep the hope and faith in such times. So ... just to end off in a happy note, I'm putting a photo of the grilled chicken I bought in Bethlehem yesterday. It's the only shop left who does it the traditional way ... whole chicken deboned, flattened in 2 halves and roasted over a charcoal fire. I love it.