BETHLEHEM OR BEDLAM?

In 1247 A.D., a hospital was founded in England called St. Mary’s of Bethlehem. Two years later it became a hospital for the insane. In those days people who were severely mental would be chained to the bed and often abused. The hospital soon became known for its noise and confusion. The moans and cries made them ashamed to call the hospital Bethlehem so they shortened it to “Bedlam”, people lamenting from a bed and the term has come to mean uproar and confusion in our English language. It’s unbelievable that something so peaceful as Bethlehem can sink to chaos and disorder but it’s true. Yet, in many ways that’s what happens to Christmas today, it loses it’s intended beauty and becomes a commercialized mess.
The true message of Christmas is in giving. “God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son.” (John 3:16) We give to others in that same spirit of sharing but we’ll spend enough on paper, bows, scotch tape and boxes to feed a third world country. Our giving may be more indulgence than self-denial. We are so motivated by television that it’s like entering the on ramp on the freeway, once you’re on, there’s no getting off until December 26. When it’s over there is exhaustion, maxed credit cards.
When Joseph and Mary left Nazareth for Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7), it was an 80-mile trip. We assume but don’t know for certain they had even a donkey. That’s a long walk for anyone, much less a pregnant woman. Some appointments can be cancelled or postponed but God’s divine schedule must be kept. It was Bethlehem or bust for the young poor couple; they knew God was with them.
I believe they were filled with anxiousness and fear on this journey. What if? Or How long? Or How can we afford? Normal questions from normal parents about the Son of God. It would be a strange dark world if this Baby had not come to begin Christmas and save us all. In Iraq this week American soldiers will sing carols about the child’s coming. In large cities shelters will give food, toys and clothes in His name. In prison some men will kneel and pray in His spirit. This is the Savior of the world that was born in Bethlehem.
Let’s go back to Bethlehem for one brief visit. Hear the midnight cry of the woman in birth, listen to the first infant sound of Jesus, see Joseph beam with warmth over his God-Son and kneel around the shepherds who probably smelled like sheep poop, to worship the LORD. Come … let us adore Him. “Now, let us go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2
Larry Sparks
New Beginnings Church