Bethlehem: the beginning of eternal joy
So those who know and love Him, desire, in some way, to experience that night.
But how can we return to Bethlehem, as it was back then; and watch, as “the silent stars go by,” while Jesus comes?
There is a way.
Let us go there in our imagination and contemplate the wonder of that unparalleled event in human history.
Bethlehem is a place of rejoicing for us. It marks the beginning of eternal hope and praise to God for giving us Jesus Christ His Son.
So, let the soles of our feet touch those paths in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. And let our eyes look deep into the night sky.
But, as we do, the Bible will tell us the story. And the music video at the end of the post will help us capture the joy Bethlehem experienced at that time! And this will reflect our own eternal joy and praise to God for His gift of Jesus, our glorious Savior!
Time traveler
Join me now, as a time traveler. And, together, let us enter the pages of Holy Scripture, and rejoice with those who rejoiced when He entered our world!
To Bethlehem, we go!
Bethlehem, little among thousands: the birthplace of Jesus, as prophesied
“But you, Bethlehem. . . Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you will He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
Bethlehem: a humble beginning and beacon that illuminates the matchless glory of Jesus
“Joseph went up from Galilee. . .into Judea, to the city which is called Bethlehem. . .to be registered with Mary his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
“Now, there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, behold, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And they feared with great fear. Then the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“Then suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!
“So. . .the shepherds said to one another, Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing which the Lord has made known to us. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying that was told them concerning this Child. . . Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told them!” (Luke 2:4-20)
Bringing the Child to Jerusalem: God fulfilling His promise to Simeon
“Now when [Mary] had completed the days of her purification, they brought [the Child] to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. . . And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Christ. So. . .when [His] parents brought the Child Jesus [into the temple], he took Him in his arms and blessed God. And he said, Now, Lord, You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all people: a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
“Then Simeon blessed them. And he said to Mary His mother, This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel. . . [He will be] a sign spoken against, and [He will] reveal the thoughts of many hearts” (Luke 2:22-35).
The star over Bethlehem
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him. . .”
Then. . . “as they departed [from Jerusalem], the star went before them and stood over where the young Child was [in Bethlehem]. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy!
“And when. . .they saw the young Child. . .they fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:1,2,9-11).
“You will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. . . And they will call His name Immanuel, which means, God with us.
“For out of you [Bethlehem] will come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel” (Matthew 1:21,23;2:6).
© James Unruh 2024 and beyond (with Micah, Luke, and Matthew; and Theocracy)
I have read good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting.