Bethlehem

Going to the Manger

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:15-16

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In our eyes the manger of Bethlehem represents difficulty and rejection but in God’s sight it was the perfect place. God didn’t just settle for second best, the stable was exactly what He had always planned. So what was so great about a smelly stable? Why did God come up with the idea of the manger? It reminds me a little of ministry at our local nursing home. Usually we are given a special room where people come to hear some hymns, an encouraging message and a prayer. But occasionally we cannot use that room because they have a staff meeting. At those times they ask us to gather in front of the nurse’s station at the intersection of two corridors. It is inconvenient and cramped but lots of folks who never come to our meeting are included on those days.

On the first cold Christmas night at Bethlehem’s manger that is exactly what happened! Just steps away from the main streets of the village, shepherds came, angels sang and everyone heard the news. God reached out and put his arms around ordinary people who He loved with an extraordinary love and said-

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord! Luke 2:12 ESV

God’s Leading

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God’s leading or burden for various choices in our lives is often misunderstood. We say, “I felt God’s leading on this matter.” in order to put to rest any questions. Yet in perhaps one of the biggest decisions of all time, Joseph and Mary choose to go to Bethlehem just to pay taxes.

It is strange that the creator of the universe decided to use such mundane means to direct them to the manger. That gives me hope that once we are surrendered to Him He can use the most ordinary things to bring about His miracle in our lives! What a wonderful and mighty God we serve!

D-Day in Bethlehem

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June 6  1944 was the date for the invasion of Normandy by the Allied forces under the command of General Dwight Eisenhower. In the dark of night a fleet of ships silently carried an invading army to beaches code-named Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword. Despite the element of surprise and careful planning heavy casualties were suffered as the liberation of Europe from Hitler and the Nazi regime began.

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In a field just outside of Bethlehem another army readied itself to invade earth. We often hear of a heavenly choir appearing to the shepherds but the Greek word stratia, which the King James version translates as hosts meant an assembled army. This was not just a bunch of white-robed musicians playing harps in the sky. This was a part of God’s invasion force rejoicing at the successful insertion of their general into the enemy’s territory! Victory was in sight. Peace was to come but not through a treaty. Peace would be the result of the ultimate defeat of the evil regime reigning on the earth and the crowning of the Prince of Peace on His victorious return from the field of combat. Yes Christmas was more than gentle shepherds and sweet angels. It was God’s expeditionary army of light led by General Jesus coming to bring His peace on earth to men on whom His favor rests!