The Wood Of Peace
As a result of many political and economic difficulties, many Christians here in Palestine and especially in Bethlehem and its suburbs are unable to survive. Therefore, they are leaving their country where they lived for many generations, to look for a better future for their children. This project will help us stay in our Home Land like the olive roots which predate the time of Jesus, in other words, it will help us survive in the Land of Jesus.
We have decided to market our products through www.thewoodofpeace.com in order to support our families. This project will help many Christian families stay in this land, our homeland, the land of the Bible just as the olive trees from which we produce our carvings, and it will plant new hope for a better future.
By promoting and purchasing our fine products, you will be assisting us in the blessed commission of spreading the message of Jesus in His homeland. In addition, it will promote the cause of peace in this region.
The olive tree has been regarded with great esteem since ancient times. It is considered a blessed tree. It was near the olive trees that Jesus used to meet his disciples. In the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives Jesus withdrew to a solitary place. From the past and up through the present time we have some fertile olive trees dating back to the time of Jesus.
The olive tree is always green which symbolizes eternal life. its branches are holy when we raise them on Palm Sunday commemorating the dove of peace with the olive leaf from the time of Noah’s ark. The olive tree in many cases is eternal, for when a tree dies, a new branch grows, and so life continues, a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. From death springs new life.
Our expert craftsmen have learned from our ancestors this tradition of wood carving Nativities, which they learned from St. Frances of Assisi in the 13th century. He was the first to suggest carving a crèche (Crib) housing Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.
Craftsmen have been carving these Nativities for many centuries. At present day, the Nativity is offered in unlimited styles and models.
Olive Wood figures are colorful; you cannot find two pieces that have the same color. Each piece is unique and also Varies in terms of the grain.
The type of the tree, the quality of the wood, the color of the earth, and the warmth of the climate, also determine what the carvings are going to look like.