On this day three days before Christmas I’m sure most of you would agree the whole world needs a Bethlehem moment right now.
Our lives are made up of journeys we must travel. Some we choose others are chosen for us. As an example, we know Mary at 14 years of age and Joseph her husband to be; did not choose their journey to be parents to the Christ child, or to be forced to travel some 70 miles by foot over difficult terrain during the last few months of her pregnancy to find Bethlehem.
Our collective journey through this Covid pandemic is unprecedented in our world. Can you imagine living in Kentucky right now? Or one of many foreign countries where war or poverty run wild. We each must face our own health concerns and those of our family and friends.
Journeys are a part of our lives,
In many instances, we think “if only there was some hope.”
Christmas can deliver that hope if you let it!
After their long journey forced on them by their government to do a census Mary and Joseph were desperate for hope. They found it in a lowly stable in Bethlehem where they found the most amazing hope ever – God’s son, Jesus.
Words from the Christmas hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem say it best.
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Christmas offers all of us a Bethlehem moment which can help us maximize our hopes and minimize our fears.
Have a blessed Christmas.
I’m Steve Sauder
