Day Twenty:
Light

“The street artist, Banksy, has installed his version of the nativity in The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem. ‘The Scar of Bethlehem’ depicts the manger scene with the West Bank separation barrier as its backdrop. The star is replaced by a bullet hole in the wall which lets light through.”

“We build barriers when we are afraid. Barriers protect but they also hem us in. They exclude the enemy but also those who might be our friends."

“Banksy’s Nativity reminds me of the menace that threatened Jesus at his birth. It reminds me that babies in that town continue to be born in the shadow of fear and division. Yet it also reminds me that our Advent longing dares to find fulfilment in the Christ-child, that in him ultimately all barriers shall be broken down.”

Come, O Prince of peace,
Calm our fears, heal our wounds, fulfil our longings
And in the child of Bethlehem break down the walls that divide and hurt us.
May your star of hope shine bright and clear
for all who look for light this Christmas.
‍
Rt Rev Dr John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh.