Bethlehem

"My message this year is addressed to the world in general and to the Christian world in particular, not to forget Bethlehem." That comes from Bethlehem's mayor, Victor Batarseh, who is urging people to come to Bethlehem at Christmas time. The city has been hard hit with the closing off of Israel to the Palestinians, suicide bombings, etc. The tourism business has greatly suffered [Vines Lines].

Bethlehem is an important location in the Bible. Here are some passages to look at:

• It was the burial place of Rachel [Genesis 35:19].
• In the conquest of the Promised Land, Bethlehem was part of the portion given to Zebulun [Joshua 19:15].
• One of the Judges, Ibzan, was from Bethlehem [Judges 12:8].
• The city is prominent in Ruth. It was the home of Ehimelech and Naomi. She brought Ruth back with her after the death of her husband and sons. Boaz and Ruth had a child there--Obed, the grandfather of David.
• Of course, Bethlehem was the home of David. He was anointed by Samuel at Bethlehem [1 Samuel 16].
• Micah 5:2 gives us the prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.
• That comes true for us in Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2.

Bethlehem means "House of Bread." I think it is telling that Jesus, the One born in Bethlehem, later said: "I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again" [John 6:35].

Let's remember Bethlehem this Christmas season for the greatest gift of all!