{Places of Christmas} Bethlehem

Bethlehem: The Place of Oblivion

A few years ago, the G-8 Summit came to Sea Island, Georgia. We live just 16 miles from Sea Island and were therefore privy to much of the preparation for this meeting of prominent world leaders. From road repairs to city beautification projects, our entire county was transformed for the arrival of these Heads of State and the ensuing barrage of press and publicity that came with them.

I imagine the little town of Bethlehem was also frantic in it's preparation for those who would be coming home for the census . And in the midst of all their hard work and readiness, they were blinded to the miraculous promise that would be fulfilled in their very midst.

"But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, {Too} little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity." - Micah 5:2

The prophecy was clear ... and the residents of Bethlehem were probably quite proud of that piece of Scripture that said the Messiah would come from their town. And yet, they were so distracted by the preparations for the census that they lost sight of the promise of God. Instead of living in eager expectation, they were caught up in distracted oblivion.

Far too often, though, we are oblivious to the truth of the appearance of Christ ... just like Bethlehem. We choose oblivion over expectation ... and oh the blessings we miss.

• We sing the familiar carols and yet remain untouched by the holiness of that "Silent Night."
• We read the Christmas story in Luke and yet lose the reality of John's account - "God moved into the neighborhood." (John 1:14, MSG)
• We search for meaningful tokens to express our love for others and yet fail to extend kindness to those around us.
• We feast on the bounty of foods as we celebrate this joyous season and yet neglect the very Bread of Life that sustains us.
• We drive through spectacular displays of lights and decorations and yet ignore the Light of the World.

Oblivion, just like commercialism, isn't about what we do or don't do. We can be oblivious in the midst of the majesty of "The Messiah" and the sweetness of family Advent celebrations ... for if our hearts are not focused on the Christ, born in a manger and crucified on a cross, then all the family time and "spiritual" trappings are meaningless. For we are called to live in eager expectation of the appearance of Christ ... His revelation of to John has the most beautiful benediction,

"He who testified to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" ~ Revelation 22:20

Oblivion sneaks in ... don't let it catch you unaware. Choose instead to be in eager expectation of God's revelation of Himself to you ... in ways big and small.

Have you ever found yourself oblivious to the sweetness of the gift of Christ?
Do the activities of Christmas, even ones designed to point you to Christ, ever become a distraction from Him?
How do you live in expectation of Christ's sweet promise of His return?

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Or maybe you are not sure exactly what all this "presence of God stuff" is all about. I'd love to share with you the joy and peace I have found in the promise of salvation through Christ. Email me, please, and let me help you find this great love that God has for you! PleasingtoYou {at} comcast {dot} net