(The Couch Potato is taking a Christmas vacation. I'll be back after Christmas. Thank you for your readership. Have a merry Christmas.)
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” Have you ever thought about what it would have been like to be in Bethlehem when Jesus was born? Martin Luther wrote that we think if we had been there we would have done something to help Christ. He wrote: “Yes you would! You say that because you know how great Christ is, but if you had been there at the time you would have done no better than the people in Bethlehem.” However, we return to Bethlehem each Christmas to celebrate Christ’s birth because we know how great He is. As we “return to Bethlehem” this year, let’s consider how we should return. We need to make our return personal. As Christ was God incarnate in Bethlehem, He is the personal incarnation of God in our lives. It doesn’t make any difference who was at the stable manger that night if you are not there in your mind and heart. It doesn’t make any difference what song the angels sang if you do not hear them in your mind and heart as you read about them in Luke. What does it matter that the shepherds heard the news about Christ if you have not heard it, or if you have not shared it with someone else? What difference does it make that gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were given to Him if you do not give Jesus the gift of yourself and your love, dedication and trust. When you return to Bethlehem this Christmas through song, pageantry, preaching and viewing manger scenes, remember that you have a personal stake in what took place there that night. What happened in Bethlehem has a lot to do with your life. We need to make our return meaningful. Who is that baby in the manger? He is the Savior, “Who is Christ the Lord.” He is your redeemer, your Savior who has forgiven you for your sins. He has delivered you from the power of Satan’s darkness. He has delivered you from the guilt that sin has piled on you which has possibly kept you depressed. It is this Christ who was born in Bethlehem who has brought new inspiration into your life. He has inspired you with new wonder. He has inspired you with new love, love that He has not only given to you, but love that you can now give to others. Because of Christ you have been set free to forgive people and to love them instead of hating them, dreading them and not forgiving them. Because of Christ your life has new meaning. You no longer live for just the moment. You have an eternal perspective that you did not have before Christ came into your life. Because of Christ you have peace of heart that is beyond your understanding and you have “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Remember all of this as you return to Bethlehem this Christmas. We need to remember that the Christ who was born in Bethlehem is here. John H. Meyer wrote: “He wants tourists, beggars, and souvenir hawkers to pause, listen and respond. He wants today’s shepherds and Wise Men in the form of factory workers, clerks, teachers, students, lawyers, executives, farmers and business people to stop, listen and be confronted with His redemption in Christ Jesus. More important than your being there is the truly good news that He is here.” It is ironic that we return to Bethlehem in order to remember that He is here too. It is important that you make your return to Bethlehem personal and meaningful. Above all else, remember that He is with you and will never forsake you. In the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season, pause and give thanks to God for the gift that He sent to Bethlehem and to all the world – and praise Him. Bro. Joe
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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