AFTER BETHLEHEM

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” … And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” (Matthew 2: 1, 11-13 ESV)

            The Christmas holiday is a special time in my home filled with tasty treats, delicious food, fun games and family traditions. With the children grown and developing celebrations for their families, my wife and I occasionally experience the season differently. Last year we celebrated Christmas at Bethlehem.

            Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, a couple miles south of Jerusalem. Along with the northern town of Nazareth, the community is the home of many wonderful Palestinian Christians. Because of growing harassment by Palestinian Muslims the Christian population is declining, many leaving the country.

            Christmas in Bethlehem, however, is still a great celebration. A large Christmas tree stands positioned at the Square. The shops and street venders are busy selling beautifully crafted merchandise and delicious food. People cheerfully greet each other with sounds of merry Christmas in multiple languages.

            My wife collects Starbucks coffee mugs. We have cups from Australia, Canada, England, Greece, and cities in the United States. We were surprised and found ourselves laughing when we came across the “Stars & Bucks” café in Bethlehem, using a slightly altered logo. We bought a mug and proudly use it.

            Although Hanukah was also being celebrated in Jerusalem during the time, the Christian quarters of the Old City was brightly decorated with Christmas trees, Santa Claus and ornaments.

            Christmas is celebrated with glamour and gadgets around the world. May we not lose sight of the true message of Bethlehem, a place where lives become changed! You cannot go home the same way you came. A genuine encounter with God causes a change in direction.

            Of all places, why Bethlehem? It is an unlikely choice, a little village overrun with transients. You are told to go to a “nowhere” place where a “nobody” named Mary gave birth to a child given a common name. The place is the crossroads of humility.

            Bethlehem is a symbol of divine love. The word Bethlehem means “place of bread.” Situated in the middle of barrenness is a town with productive soil. Out of a place where the most basic human need was met came the Bread of Life. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life…. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6: 47, 51) You are asked to travel to Bethlehem, the place of bread, in order to partake of the Bread of Life and never grow hungry of what matters the most, things pertaining to eternity.

            Two thousand years ago two groups of people entered Bethlehem on one road and left on another.

The magi

            Travelers from the east were warned in a dream to depart a different way. Previous plans and directions needed to change. They would be seemingly inconvenienced, requiring disruption to their scheduled and orderly lives. Beholding Jesus does that to people. Life becomes prioritized differently, no longer business as usual.

            The chosen race was busy trying to keep from being inconvenienced, yet wisdom was seen in a small band of travelers considered the wrong race, the wrong language and the wrong religion when they fell down on their knees before Jesus. Insiders were busy supporting status quo while outsiders gave lavish and generous gifts.

            How far will you go in order to discover meaning? Some only go just far enough to say they have been there. Jesus is included in holiday events so He can be checked off a to-do list saying, “Been there!” Are you willing to take the path to Bethlehem knowing it is far from a destination but rather a start of a new journey?

            A decision lies before you, much like a fork in a road. Having been where you have been and seen what you have seen, you must decide who you will be, an uninterrupted insider or a willing outsider.

            Many are familiar with Robert Frost’s famous poem, “The Road Not Taken.” It concludes by saying, “I shall be telling this with a sigh; Somewhere ages and ages hence; Two roads diverged in a wood, and I; I took the one less traveled by; And that has made all the difference.”

            The road less traveled was the one chosen by the Magi and it made all the difference in their lives. Meeting Jesus alters plans. If you are like most people, your plans could stand some alterations.

Mary and Joseph

            Reaching Bethlehem was only a tiny part of the journey on which they found themselves. Upon arriving in the village they came to a “no room in the inn” dead-end. They had no place to go. After the Magi visited, they discovered what appeared as a dead-end was really a detour. They fled to Egypt and another Old Testament prophecy about the Christ was fulfilled.

            Some believe the gifts given by the Magi provided the resources for them to live. The point, however, is that they had to be willing to seek another, less familiar road once they had been to Bethlehem.

            Mary and Joseph fled in order to preserve the fragile life of God’s Son. There is a truth here for people with new found faith in God. Some simply try to add Jesus to their life. They add Him to their schedule – church attendance gets a place in the routine. They add financial giving to the church like another bill or obligation. Some even add their talents and skills “pro bono” for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

            The one thing many will not do is change roads. They refuse to grasp the basic truth that in order to preserve the fragile spiritual life born in the human soul a person cannot go back on well-known paths.

            Jesus is not an “add on” – He is Lord. The invitation to have a meaningful relationship with God is not about self-improvement but rather transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit.

            You must distinguish between the road to Bethlehem and the road from Bethlehem. People who come to Bethlehem cannot return the same way they came. You cannot see Jesus and go back on familiar roads. All plans become surrendered and all ambitions become subservient to Him for the joy and riches of eternal life.

Application

            The Magi teach that Jesus came to disrupt the events by which we order our lives. Joseph and Mary teach that preserving the infant spiritual life born in you requires going another way then the way previously traveled.

            Many roads bring people to behold the Child, involving tradition, curiosity, respect and faith. Some come because religion seems appropriate during Christmas. Others are curious about the real reason for the season.  Some come out of respect for family or friends. Others come out of a new found faith in God.

            Whatever road brings you to Bethlehem, do not go home the same way. After beholding Jesus take the pathway leading to peace, joy and contentment. He even gives a traveling companion, enabling you to walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit.

            A song sung this time of year is a favorite for many, “Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer.” Think about the lyrics! Rudolph was not accepted until his shortcomings were proven useful and the creature did a noble act. Jesus simply wants you to come. He has already accepted you, will you accept Him?

            Go to Bethlehem to behold Jesus. Let Him change the direction your life is taking.