Walk Through Bethlehem
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” -Luke 2:15-16
I live in a small, oceanside town in southern Mississippi, and my town loves Christmas. Our sweet little downtown is so spirited this time of year. Every shop welcomes you with garlands and evergreen wreaths. Lights are strung from every balcony and lamppost. There are Christmas parades and town tree lighting, visits with Santa, and holiday open houses. It’s all so fun and festive. It’s easy to get lost in the festivities, the excitement, the hustle and bustle of it all isn’t it? For most of us, the holiday season is far from peaceful. I have to work hard to remind myself that the first Christmas held none of the same pomp and stress that it does today. It was simpler, and far more humble. One of my favorite Christmas songs is performed by Trisha Yearwood, called “Take A Walk Through Bethlehem.” Every time I listen to it I find myself pausing, no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I always need the reminder to slow down and remember the good news that started it all.
“The city's decorated up for Christmas…All the stores are open late tonight…People hurry through the frozen streets…I take a walk...
Every child has a thousand wishes…Every window has a thousand lights…Every soul has a need for peace…I take a walk...
There's a star that still outshines the night…You can find it if you close your eyes… And see the light
Take a walk through Bethlehem…Come and kneel before the Lamb…Good news for every man….Walk through Bethlehem.
Every night another TV special…Merchants counting down the shopping days…But something's missing underneath the tree…I take a walk.
'Cause every heart longs for more than tinsel…Something more than just a holiday…Come and celebrate the baby King…Let's take a walk.”
(“Take A Walk Through Bethlehem” written by Jarvis John Barlow, Wilson Walter Henry, & Greenberg Ashley C, 1994)
Study & Reflection: Read Luke 2:15-20. What do you notice about the response of the shepherds? They “hurried off” to see Jesus, and as soon as they had, they went and told everyone the good news. This sounds like Christmas today, hurrying and running from place to place, seeing as many people as we can. But I love that the shepherds “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen.” They circled back and dwelled on the miracle that had just taken place. Mary, the mother of Jesus, did this too. She “treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” She paused, she marveled, and sat in awe of what God had done. Oh that we could do the same this Christmas season.
Prayer: Father God, forgive us for getting caught up in the busyness of this holiday season. Help us to slow down and center our hearts and minds on the miracle of your birth. Overwhelm us with your peace as we walk through our cities, gather with family and friends, shop for gifts, and bake treats. Remind us in those moments that You are what makes Christmas worth celebrating. Take our hand, pull us away from the chaos of our December calendars, and walk us through Bethlehem.