Consider that you’re not that far from Bethlehem …
It was a rather messy story in many ways:
She wasn’t married, but she was pregnant.
And she tried to convince her beloved and betrothed
that, although he wasn’t the father,
neither was any other man.
Yeah, right …
She faced the possibility of being stoned
for being in such a position.
He certainly anticipated public scorn and ridicule …
“Tell us more, Joseph, because of course we believe
that the Holy Spirit is the father!”
The travel to Bethlehem was uncomfortable to say the least,
and once they arrived, they had to settle
for substandard accommodations.
She gave birth without the comfort and support
of family and friends.
The first to arrive, so we’re told,
were shepherds, of all people,
those rough and tough folk who lived at the edge of society,
tending the dirty sheep.
And through this remarkable and messy story,
angels and heavenly hosts
seem to be the guides and voices of reassurance,
saying, “Do not be afraid.”
No, you’re really not that far from Bethlehem.
Do you not find yourself in places,
physically and emotionally, that are pretty messy
and where you’d rather not be?
Do you not find that others don’t fully understand
the circumstances of your story?
Do you not find that when you try
to speak of the Holy Spirit guiding you,
and the voice of Love speaking deep within your heart,
this news is sometimes received about as well
as the next psychic forecast splashed
across the cover of the weekly tabloid?
Do you not find yourself wanting more than the few words
Of “Do not be afraid” as you face the darkness?
Consider what and who was in Bethlehem:
a safe place for giving birth,
the love of the One who called them into this story,
and this One arrived in unexpected attire ~
swaddling clothes and a manger bed,
fur and feathers, shepherds’ cloaks and kingly robes,
light from the heavens,
and Light from Within.
And the words “Do not be afraid” really were sufficient,
for the One of all love,
was, and is, and will be,
fully present, providing for every need.
O little town of Bethlehem …
in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light,;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
