During the Christmas season, we often think fondly of Bethlehem. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! We imagine peaceful streets, occasionally interrupted with the noises of sheep and goats. We can imagine the sounds of barefoot children playing in the dirt streets and fields. We picture the humble nativity lit by starlight and warmed by a rustic fire.
Interestingly the first reference to Bethlehem in scripture was not so peaceful and still. The first reference to this village comes in Genesis, which describes the tragic death of Rachel following the birth of Benjamin (Genesis 35:16-20). In Judges, it was the home of an idolatrous priest (Judges 17:7-13) and later a concubine who was violently abused and murdered (Judges 19-20).
Bethlehem was the center of Ruth’s story and even by the time David was anointed king there, the town was known in spite of its obscurity, not because of its fame.
Centuries later when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7) everything changed. His presence immediately defined that place for the rest of human history. This small village’s story is forever defined by the presence of Jesus.
The same is true for each one of us. When we one day stand before the throne of God to give an account of our life, the Lord won’t ask us about our accomplishments, our wealth, or our assets. He’ll ask, “did you welcome, honor, and worship my Son?”
God chose a humble overlooked town with a checkered past to send His Son into this world, fully human and fully divine. His glory lit up the skies and drew shepherds and angels to a feed trough. Imagine what the fullness of His presence will do in our churches and in our hearts today. He wants to enter every human heart, no matter how checked your own past might be.
Like Bethlehem, every place and every person, no matter how obscure or overlooked they might be, can be transformed by the presence of Jesus Christ. May the story of Bethlehem be the story of your heart today.