Bethlehem, Episode 25 (12/22/2021)

Welcome to the St. John the Evangelist’s Advent Podcast. Today is Episode 25, and I am the town of Bethlehem!

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Matthew 2:6

I know you’ve sang “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem…” “Away in a Manger,…” or “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and heard about me, Bethlehem…but there was a time when very few people knew about me. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a sleepy little town! You know, a place that is fun to grow up in. Where everyone knows your name. A real community! I am the town of Bethlehem and up until the birth of a precious baby boy, Jesus, I was perfectly happy knowing that not too many people had even heard of me.

But then a gigantic star in the sky came to rest right over the manger where baby Jesus was sleeping, right in the middle of town! It was this light that helped people find baby Jesus! Ugh. I thought, “well, there goes the neighborhood!”

I was worried about all of the people who would come to visit the baby. I didn’t want any attention drawn to myself and my people.

But God reminds us that it’s good to be bold sometimes! When we are bold in our faith others will see our love for God through our actions and our words, and they too may come to love God! 

So I, the little town of Bethlehem, am so proud that God chose me to provide refuge for his baby son. Jesus is peace, and God wanted a peaceful place for the birthplace of his son. God picked Bethlehem!

Sometimes you might want to be invisible, and not bring attention to yourself. Sometimes you might think people look at you differently because you love Jesus so much, and you know that he loves you, too! Maybe you might think it’s better to be silent, and peaceful.

But God reminds us to be bold in our faith! Be proud of our relationship with Him. Sing for joy… “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful. Joyful and Triumphant! Oh Come Ye, Oh Come Ye, to Bethlehem.”

Lord Jesus, help us this Christmas to be bold and let the light our faith shine before others. Help us not to hide the light of your love under a bushel basket! May our words and actions attract other people to you. And help us never to be embarrassed about our love for you. Amen.

Thank you for listening to our podcast!

Tune in tomorrow for Episode 26 when we will hear from the Angel Gabriel.