Bethlehem

I was sitting this morning before church reading a story about a visit to the Holy Land and I was struck suddenly with a huge feeling of gratitude for the birth of Christ. I wrote this and thought I'd share.

"Bethlehem"

Bethlehem.
The name itself means "house of bread"--
Calling to mind that one scent which smells like fresh baked comfort--
Home.

How different was the smell that greeted the Newborn Babe!
The earthy tang of fresh cut hay in a manger bed
Mixed with the pungent essence of raw animal scent.
(Somehow fitting that the Lord of All should make His first Home among His own creations.)

Bethlehem.
Before that day, mostly unknown--
No "form or comeliness" that it should be desired.
Poor and lowly-- the very name ironic,
Almost.

Until into the world was born God-As-Man--
He who called Himself the
Bread of Life,
And made "House of Bread" a perfect name.

The symbol so strong--
That which reminds us most of all things good and worthy in our own
Earthly home
Is also symbol of Him who is
All good and in all ways worthy--
He who points the way to our
Heavenly Home.

Nourishment.
Sustenance.
Fulfillment.
Comfort.
Peace.
House of Bread,
Bread of Life.
Bethlehem.