“Bethlehem was God with us, Calvary was God for us, and Pentecost is God in us.” ~ Robert Baer
The Christmas story is mysterious, magical, miraculous, and apocalyptic. God came to earth as a fetus, born from above and with the same free will we possess, and yet Jesus never strayed from God’s plan for His life, which was the cross. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. John the Baptist baptized Jesus with water and Spirit, and His ministry was underway. The Christmas story was written hour by hour and is still written in the hearts of people today. To fully experience the kingdom of God, Bethlehem must reside in our hearts. The same Christmas story revealed in scripture must materialize inside us.
Our Spirit’s bright light should illuminate with no boundaries because we are born from above. The star burning bright in our souls is the Star of David for the world to see. Our lives must exemplify God’s kingdom and become a modern-day Bethlehem for the lost and suffering. When people look into our hearts, do they see Bethlehem? Immanuel is with us, the cross and resurrection are how much God loves us, and the Holy Spirit is found deep-down inside every resident who dwells in the Kingdom of God. Our star must burn bright continually so that people will discover God’s new Bethlehem. Bethlehem is indeed located in Palestine, but Bethlehem is also found in your heart if you are a kingdom resident, which I hope you are. If you are not, please become a resident today; there are plenty of vacancies.
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did your take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- Have you been to Bethlehem? If yes, what do you cherish about your visit?
- What is the nature of Bethlehem?
- Why must Bethlehem exist in your heart?
- How do you keep your light burning bright?
- How do you tell the Christmas story?
Prayer
Creator of the moons and the stars, including the Star of David, thank You for continually meeting me where I am and not leaving me there—your grace and love have no boundaries. Please create Bethlehem in my heart, and allow my light to shine so bright, that people can see it from a long way off. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine, always materialize, now and forever, amen.
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