Martin E Leckebusch has written some updated lyrics to the traditional carol ‘O Little town of Bethlehem’. I offer them here as a meditation at this Christmas time remembering Ukraine and all other places suffering from wars and conflict.
O West Bank town of Bethlehem,
How still your victims lie;
The grieving weep, deprived of sleep;
Militia men roam by;
For through your dark streets rages
The never ending fight:
Such hopes and fears, such bitter tears
Are met in you tonight.
O morning news, O papers,
Report the dreadful dearth
Of saints who sing to praise the King,
Of peace across the earth;
Where Christ was born of Mary
‘Midst wond’ring angels’ love,
In anguish deep, sad mortals keep
Few thoughts of things above.
How violently, how violently
The hope of peace is riv’n;
Can God impart to these torn hearts
The blessings of His heav’n?
Who now recalls His coming
To this dark world of sin?
Where harsh words still promote ill-will,
Can Christ now enter in?
O Child once born in Bethlehem,
Draw near again, we pray;
You died to win this world from sin –
Yet sin persists today.
May we, like Christmas angels,
Announce Immanuel,
Till all are giv’n a glimpse of heav’n
And not a taste of hell.