BETHLEHEM TINY TOWN

 

Sunday, December 4, 2022

 

BETHLEHEM TINY TOWN

 

Mic 5:2

2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. KJV

 

          There are TWO Bethlehem’s in Israel. The most famous Bethlehem is located in the hill country (approximately 2,500 feet above sea level) of Judah. Situated on the main highway to Egypt (which came in very useful just after the birth of Jesus Christ), it was known variously as Ephrath (Genesis 35:16), Bethlehem Ephratah (Micah 5:2), Bethlehem-Judah (1 Samuel 17:12), and “the city of David” (Luke 2:4). (King David was born in Bethlehem-Judah).

 

          Today we light the second Advent candle, the Bethlehem candle, symbol of peace. Bethlehem is a story about a humble couple on an unwanted journey, at an inconvenient time, to visit a tiny insignificant town.

 

          Why this candle and this town should symbolize peace is a mystery to me. When Jesus was born Bethlehem was over washed with visitors who had returned to their ancestral home to register and be taxed. Only a cattle barn provided solace for the Prince of Peace. But peace, of course, does not accompany a lack of discord. It exists in spite of discord and provides a resort for those who seek it.

 

Eph 2:13-15

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace [quietness and rest], who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; KJV

 

Dear Prince of Peace, bring to those who suffer in discord the most exquisite peace. Reconcile and return to thyself those whose sins have removed far off. Destroy the cause of strife and nail it to thy cross. AMEN