Christmas in Bethlehem

My theme for this week of Advent is "Striving to find unity and peace with all the people of the world".

One way I love to do that is by learning about the traditions and beliefs of people throughout the world. In years past I've studied Ireland, Germany and Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, and Mexico.

This year I've decided to look at Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus.

Agenda:

1- Read "Present Moment Awareness"

2- Research Bethlehem

3- A Prayer for Peace and Forgiveness

5- Make soft Irish ginger cookies
6- Make a piñata for Las Posadas

1. Read "Present Moment Awareness":

I'm reading this book by Shannon Duncan (2001) that takes awareness one step at a time: First, body and senses; then beliefs and limitations; then emotions; and finally, reactivity. It seems like a straightforward plan!

I've started the third section: Emotional Presence, about how to stay present to strong emotions so they can become less overpowering and we can choose our responses rather than reacting.

Emotions are a felt thing, a physical manifestation of thought. "When we can reduce or eliminate our belief-driven emotional turmoil, we eliminate much of our stressful and needless anxiety and begin to gain a real sense of inner peace." 

When I feel anger, I tense up - because I'm trying to avoid the feeling - but I only manage to amplify it, as the pressure builds up behind the dam I'm creating with my body, and it will inevitably overwhelm me and burst out.

"Whenever we feel overwhelmed by emotions, a shift in perspective becomes our salvation. When we take a step back and feel the still and quiet space that is always within us regardless of whatever else might going on, we can reduce any emotions we might be feeling to their proper importance." 

2. Research Bethlehem:
Bethlehem is an ancient city in the West Bank of Palestine, located about six miles south of Jerusalem. In the Hebrew Bible, Bethlehem is mentioned as the birthplace of King David, and in the New Testament, the city is identified as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. The actual cave or stable is of course long buried, but the site is the location of the Church of the Nativity, shown above. 

Since the Oslo Accords, Bethlehem has been designated as part of Area A of the West Bank, under Palestinian control, but it remains under Israeli occupation, and movement around the city is limited. The city is surrounded by two bypass roads for Israeli settlers, leaving the inhabitants squeezed between thirty-seven Jewish enclaves; the gap between the two roads is closed by the 8-meter high Israeli West Bank barrier, which cuts Bethlehem off from Jerusalem.

Historically, Bethlehem was a city of Arab Christians, who made up about 86% of the population in 1950, but this community has dwindled significantly, and now has a majority of Arab Muslims. The city's economy is strongly linked to tourism, especially during the Christmas period, when Christians embark on a pilgrimage to the Church of the Nativity. 

Two days ago, on Sunday, December 7, the traditional Christmas tree in the square outside the Church was lit up for the first time in two years. Palestinians watching the lighting said the celebration carried a dual meaning: Hope in the Nativity and a yearning for freedom from the Israeli siege gripping Bethlehem and cities across the occupied territory.

3. A Prayer for Peace and Forgiveness:

Loving God of all the earth, we pray for those who perpetrate injustices in the Holy Land, regardless of their motives; 

we pray that you will change their hearts and fill them with the spirit of mercy. 

Teach us all the pathways of peace and forgiveness. 

Spirit of comfort whose glory covers the face of our earth, comfort the oppressed, give shelter to those who have lost their homes, and let your peace dwell in every heart. 

With thankful hearts we pray in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

4. Make Palestinian Makrouta Date Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 c. flour
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. yeast
• 1/2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1/2 Tbsp. anise 
• 1 tsp. cardamom
• 3/4 c. warm milk
• 1/8 c. ghee
• 1/2 c. olive oil
  

Filling:

• 1-1/2 c. pitted dried dates
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1/2 Tbsp. rose water

1. Melt 1/8 c. ghee. Toast the sesame seeds.

2. Combine dry ingredients and mix well. Add the liquids slowly, mixing in between, and mix until a soft ball of dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours.

3. Meanwhile, make the date paste. Add the dates with the butter and a little water in a pot on medium heat. When butter melts, turn the heat to the lowest temperature, and keep stirring every few minutes (dates are sugary and you don't want the sugar to burn). Keep adding bits of water, and stir until it is absorbed by the date. Continue to cook on low until dates are very soft and and easy to mash with the spoon. before removing from the heat add the spices and rose water, and stir

4. When it's time, pour the soft dough out onto a floured board and knead a few times, then spread onto a piece of parchment. You can't really roll this dough, but it is surprisingly easy to press out into a rectangle - not paper thin, not too thick. (I made mine almost square but a longer rectangle would have made a thinner roll.)

5. Cover with a thin layer of date paste, and roll into a log. 
Cut into slices and place on a lined baking sheet, leaving space to expand.

6. Bake for about 10-15 minutes at 425ºF, beginning on the lowest rack on top of the direct heat, then transferring to the top  rack.

5. Make a piñata for Las Posadas:
Las Posadas is one really cool Mexican Christmas tradition; it's a series of nightly processions and parties that begin on December 16th and continue until Christmas Eve. (I'll post more about it later.)

Piñata making, 2023

Each night of las Posada the party-goers break a piñata. My grandsons and I have made a piñata for the last three years, and we are making one again this year! They take at least a week to dry so we will start today.

Note about art with pre-schoolers: Most little kids have a short attention span; expect to create in 5-minute increments. Also, get all set up, including your clean up plans, before you mention art. Then enjoy the little burst of wild creative energy while it lasts!

Piñata-making with a 2-year-old was experiential: He played with the balloon, put two pieces of gluey paper onto the balloon, then got into throwing the paper scraps around. Then he was done. And that was fine! Last year, at age-three, he had an infinitely greater ability to keep at it. He stayed to help with the first two layers!

Supplies: Balloon, newspapers and plain newsprint, flour paste, foam or plastic plate, strong string, towels, warm water tub for rinsing hands

1- Tear up all your strips- make large piles of both newspaper and plain newsprint.

2- Make papier-mâché paste in a fairly shallow bowl: Start with 1-1/2 c. white flour and add water, stirring with a wisk, until you have a smooth and fairly thick paste. (I used to make a cooked paste, but this simpler one dries more firmly.)

3- Blow up the balloon and set it in a nest of towels or inside a large bowl to keep it from rolling around.

4- Cover the entire balloon with four layers of papier-mâché. I keep track of layers by alternating newspaper and plain newsprint.

You will need to make another batch of paste- probably another cup of flour will be enough.

5- Tie a harness of strong string around the balloon, from which it will hang. Cover the harness with another layer of papier-mâché.

6- Let it dry. (We added decoration later - just drawing with paint pen)