A "fictional" report from Bethlehem

              "Report from Bethlehem" (fictional account) 

              Jesus returned to earth this week to visit the place of his birth and was shot while in Manger Square speaking with a large crowd.  He was wounded and is resting comfortably in a nearby hospital.

              Israeli soldiers were in the area.  When they came upon this crowd, they fired upon Jesus thinking this white robed person was a Palestinian rallying people against Israel.

              When interviewed from his hospital bed, Jesus simply said:  "They know not what they do."  Jesus further said that he comes to Bethlehem every year, in spirit, but this year chose to appear in body form to say in person:  "The world is embarking upon a very dangerous course.  I welcome this opportunity to speak to the world."

              He then pulled himself up straight and asked that the following message be relayed to the world:

              "Dear people of the world.  I have come to bring you a message of peace and goodwill.  The destructive decisions world leaders are making are the direct result of a collective consciousness of fear and anger.  If you are to survive as a race of people, you must change this consciousness.  It will not come from your legislative power centers, it can only come from your individual God-given power centers of balance and harmony.  To try to justify war, killing and all forms of anger is to reject my teachings when I walked the earth.  Listen to and live the powerful message of God's Love expressed from your countless pulpits, often in my name.  I am but one of many spiritual teachers who have come before you.  All faiths are to be honored for their inherent wisdom and divine purpose.  Many have lost their way.  But remember this:  Teach only love, for that is what you are."

              With that, Jesus arose from the bed, blessed those around him, and once again ascended.  Those assembled at his bedside were  moved to tears of joy, faith and hope.  The hope is that we, individually, will be moved to action.  It will spread throughout our families, communities and world. 

Bob McClellan

 Polson,  MT   59860