Bethlehem

Bethlehem

The hub. The Holy Land. The Birth place. Transcending all time and space, evolving according to the physical and brooding emotionality that still plague its inner depths, dwells a splendid sacredness.

Bethlehem translates to “House of Bread” in Hebrew. How ironic and inspiring that the arid barren terrain would boast grain hearty enough to feed the One who was destined to become the Everlasting Bread of Life. In the Judean hills of Bethlehem in a cave long ago, where today meets with tomorrow’s promise shuffled into the eternal equation, lies the answer.

The maxim in Luke 12:48,” To whom much is given, much will be required,” could easily apply to Bethlehem, the mecca of the universe where divine intervention was delivered, orchestrated and recognized daily through God’s fiats, sage prophets, and laymen devotion. With these kinds of extraordinary circumstances and ordinances displayed, attention and scrutiny were sure to follow. Who would have surmised that bedlam, animosity, and malice would still prevail?

Mary and Joseph could not find an available Inn to bear the Messiah, yet modern Bethlehem has plenty of vacancies due to a cement wall that the Israelites built for security and protection, but has ultimately left them isolated and somewhat stifled by impeding flow and freedom. This area, which was predominately Christian fifty years ago, is now a Muslim majority. Its closed-off manner is mirrored by the aptly titled Walled Off Hotel, whose windows are accosted by the glaring proximity to the barricade that also reduced growth, integration, diversity, and finances. Nowadays, a pilgrimage here requires specific paperwork with special permits that may lead to the single controlled portal point to the Biblical city.

Our savior, Jesus is open and welcoming. How would He feel about what presently transpires in His former natal town? Recently, our generous and benevolent Pope permanently gifted a thumb-sized piece from what is believed to be the manger that the infant Jesus lay in to the Palestinian president. Pope Francis believed that a segment of the manger relic should return home. He reached out. He shared. It may be difficult to open up to new ideas or ways of being, but at Christmas time anything is possible.

Barriers can weaken, and can even completely deteriorate. If we are lucky, the ruins of the past can transform into bridges and roads to far-away places, unmet friends, and unbridled peace. What hurdles are confining you? If you allow, the small Babe in a manger could ignite a spiritual conversion. Oh, little town of Bethlehem… Merry Christmas to Christ the Newborn King and all His Glorious Creation!

~ ” The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…," John 1:14 ~

HEaling Link® will meet on January 7, 2020 @ 7:30pm. For more information, please contact Jackie: HEalingLink03@gmail.com Isn’t it time to get Linked?