I told you yesterday that when we lived in Montana our town was small; 5000 people small and that was when college was in session. We purposefully chose a rural community there and here in Arizona. We’re small town people!
There is a sense of closeness and camaraderie among the people in rural areas. I remember going to events at the Elks Club and everyone was there; fund-raisers for the local high school, food drives, benefit night for someone who had been diagnosed with illness or hurt in an accident. These were all part of our community coming together to help.
I was wondering if this was what life was like in Bethlehem. Did everyone reach out to help their neighbors, to provide what was needed when there was a crisis? Was that what was in the heart of the innkeeper when he saw a young couple standing before him asking for a place to stay? Was he moved with compassion for this expectant mother; did it break his heart to say “there’s no room in the inn”?
I read one article which said, it is estimated at the time of the census, the time of Jesus birth, there were approximately 200 homes in Bethlehem. I don’t think the population of the whole town was much more than 1200-1500 residents. How many inns could there have been? How many doors did Joseph knock on before he found a place to stay?
The Scripture tells us that Bethlehem had been chosen, by God, as the place that Jesus was to be born. It was prophesied in the book of Micah, about 700 years before Christ, that He would be born here.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are the smallest town in Judah.
Your family is almost too small to count, but the “Ruler of Israel” will come from you to rule for me. His beginnings are from ancient times, from long, long ago. 3 The Lord will let his people be defeated until the woman gives birth to her child, the promised king. Then the rest of his brothers will come back
to join the people of Israel. 4 He will begin to rule Israel in the power of the Lord. Like a shepherd, he will lead his people in the wonderful name of the Lord his God. And they will live in safety because then his greatness will be known all over the world. 5 He will bring a time of peace.” Micah 5:2-5 ERV
Bethlehem was said to be the smallest town in the country. If I were God I think I would have had my Son born someplace a little more grand. But God’s way is one of humility. The Apostle Paul says that God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. A birth in Bethlehem was truly an example of that.
This gives me real hope. Hope and a sense of purpose. If God chose a small town like Bethlehem to play a part in the birth of His Son then He can certainly use me for some purpose as well.
“Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold; I treasure what you say. 141 Everyone calls me a nobody, but I remember your laws. 142 You will always do right, and your teachings are true.” Psalm 119:140-142 CEV
The lesson I learn from Bethlehem being chosen is that God uses those who are available. A small town, an unnamed innkeeper, shepherds of questionable reputation and me. Thank you Lord that you see value when others see none.
O Little Town of Bethlehem, you were chosen for a great purpose!
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel