Friday’s thoughts
When Bethlehem Was a Little Town
The research on the town of Bethlehem has produced some interesting facts. The town was an important town for a variety of reasons. It was a town where there was a murder. It was a town where the people of Israel congregated on their way out of Jerusalem moving toward Egypt and safety when the Babylonians were coming in to take over their land. It was a town where the people gathered as they moved back into Jerusalem after the exile had ended. It was the home of Ruth who was great-great-grandmother of David and it was the town where David grew up and from which he launched his life.
I have focused upon two elements of Israel’s history.
1. Bethlehem was a place where the people of Israel collectively found their identity. They were beginning to discover the sense of union when they were persecuted. It was a dark and dangerous time.
2. Bethlehem was a place where they lifted up one of the greatest people in their history. David was heroic and his heroic actions were inspirational. The people found their courage as they remembered when stood up to the giant Goliath.
Does any of that say something to us as we remember Bethlehem as a place where the Christ Child was born? Is there something of the collective identity in his birth? Is there something of his heroic acts that inspires us? Does the manger the led to the cross, also take us to the table as we celebrate the Last Supper this Sunday?
In the sermon I am going to reflect upon the importance of the collective gathering, and the importance of the courage of launching a life of courage. We gather to remember whose we are; we are God’s people. We depart to do God’s work. We are God’s hands; God’s voice; God’s embrace.
Christmas is about remembering whose we are and what we are called to do. It began in the stable in Bethlehem but it continues in our lives and in the places we find ourselves.
If you have thoughts on this that you would like to share with me respond where it says “comments”. If you would like others to see your response and would like other people to write you back write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles
