Weekly Newsletter Dec. 3
Why Bethlehem???
Bethlehem, at first glance, is nothing special.
Why did God choose this little town as the birthplace of Jesus?
Five years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land. During our visit, the site that was the least inspirational and the most forgettable was, at least for me, the city of Bethlehem. I had a picture in my head of a Thomas Kincaid rendering of a beautiful site that served as the earthly birthplace of God’s son.
But Bethlehem is nothing like a Christmas card.
It’s small and kind of dirty. There are dark alleys. There is a sense of unrest in the air, and quite frankly, feels a little creepy. The highlight of our visit was the Church of the Nativity, which, according to legend, stands on the site where Jesus was born. Upon entering this cathedral, visitors are invited to journey down a narrow, twisting stairway that leads to an area under the main altar of the church. There, in thisbasement-like space, a star on the cold tile floor marks the spot where legend says the birth of Jesus took place.
As I stood there, two thoughts came to my mind:
1. It doesn’t really matter to me where the birth occurred. What matters to me is that God loved us enough to want to be with us!
2. God can use the most unlikely places, times and people to accomplish great things!
Remember that God has called each of us. And God will equip each of us…even the most awkward and unlikely…like me! As we continue this journey toward Christmas, may God use you in amazing ways!
We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the
life-changing love of Jesus!
LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.
SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.
ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too.
I’d like to finish with this prayer for you: Thank you, Lord God, for sending us Emmanuel to dwell among us. May we prepare a place in our hearts to be God’s dwelling and may we confidently share the Good News of Jesus with all we meet. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
- Pastor Sharon
Share this post!
