From the Heart of Bethlehem

O God, from the heart of Bethlehem 

From the heart of occupied land

You have sent a message

To shake the world

Thank you for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 

That gives so many clues as to your character

In the birth of this child we discover a spirituality

Of hope, peace, justice

Thank you that a child born in simplicity

Amongst a poor community 

Speaks of the values of the way of peace

Thank you that you are a God of the poor

The marginalised 

Those for whom there is no room 

And that’s why this is a way of life and a theology

That gives such hope 

Because no one is forgotten

May we hear the call

And live out the lifestyle

That helps to build a community 

That reflects this alternative way

Of a loving God

A community of justice

that asserts simplicity

Humility

And the worth of every human being

Thank you that you are a humble, generous God

Who stopped to show us the way of love

In Bethlehem.

Rev. Garth Hewitt

'From the Heart of Bethlehem' by Rev. Garth Hewitt is taken from 'Words of Hope: Thoughts and reflections from Amos Trust' available now.