Wednesday’s thoughts
The word Bethlehem has a number of translation. The sermon will explore each of these interpretations and I will try to find a way to apply each.
1. Bethlehem means “house of food”/ “house of bread”. I can think of Bethlehem as a house of hospitality. It was a homecoming spot for the people who left Babylon and the exile. The people who greeted them were warm and friendly and it built the reputation of the town.
2. Bethlehem means “house of fighting”/ “house of hostility”. There have been times in the history of the town when that really fit. There was a war between the Samaritans and the Jews. There are well documented struggles with the Romans. The enrollment that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem was surrounded with resentment and anger.
3. Bethlehem means “house of God”/ “house of holiness”. There are several reasons this might fit Bethlehem. Bethlehem was the place where David grew up. Also his mother Ruth was from Bethlehem and, we are told by Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
What do we do with this? Do we think of Jesus as having been born in an environment of hospitality, or fighting, or holiness? Which is these names best fits the town we remember in Phillips Brooks poem which became the Christmas Carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. His inspiration came as he sat on a hill above the city and began the think about Jesus’ birth.
Which of the names most fits the town where Jesus is thought to have been born?
I think it was the third option although all three seem to be appropriate. What do you think of when you think of Bethlehem? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If the address doesn’t appear just click on the space and the email address will come up.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
