Yesterday our pastor, Dick Foth, asked a surprising question. In a post-Christmas reflection looking back at Bethlehem, he asked, “So what?”
Pastors usually don’t ask questions like that without offering some direction. Dick provided his own insightful answer to “So what?” and also provoked me to seek my own response. I thought it was a pretty worthwhile question.
So here’s my challenge to you. Now that the shopping and parties and feasts are winding down, stop and take a look back at Bethlehem. Beyond the tinsel and toys what does it all mean?
Take a look back at Bethlehem. So what?
I invite you to leave a comment below. If you’re reading this in an email, please take a moment to visit the site and share your thoughts. Let’s see if we can come up with a collective vision of why the events of Bethlehem matter.
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Bethlehem changed everything. It was the birthplace of hope. As I asked myself “so what?”, the thing that came to mind was the star and the symbolism and significance it has to me. That can be summed up in a few verses:
You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Ps 18:28
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isa 42:16
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Cor 4:6
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Eph 5:8
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
So what???
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isa 9:6-7
THAT’s what!
Wow–what a great answer. Similar to mine, but a good deal more articulate!