My Evening in Bethlehem - December 23

Scripture

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
— Luke 2:8-12

Christmas Eve in Bethlehem

Seven years ago, my family and I traveled to Jerusalem for Christmas. My husband gifted this trip to my in-laws for their 70th birthday. Upon arriving in the Holy City, we immediately began retracing the steps of Jesus. The tour was organized geographically, rather than chronologically, starting at the wedding feast—the site of Jesus' first miracle.

On Christmas Eve, we boarded our bus and made our way to Bethlehem. This sacred city lies in Palestine, and Israelis can only enter with special permits. As we passed through a checkpoint, our guide showed the necessary papers to the armed guards.

It was dark and rainy as we neared a large field on our left. The bus slowed, and our tour guide spoke over the microphone. “This is where the angels visited the shepherds.” A hush fell over the bus. The air felt charged with reverence, and I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. I gazed out at the pasture, imagining the rugged shepherds tending their flocks. Suddenly, a bright light appeared, accompanied by a host of angels. In that moment, Christmas had never felt more real.

It was then that I understood why the early church encouraged pilgrimages. Standing in the very place where a biblical miracle occurred was a soul-refreshing experience. While I had always known God’s presence, traveling the same path the shepherds took to reach the manger stirred something deep within me. Though the rain continued to pour and the night grew darker, my Christmas spirit burned brighter that night in Bethlehem.

Biblical Lesson

The story of the shepherds holds deep significance. It shows us that Jesus' message was for everyone, especially those on the margins. In first-century Palestine, shepherds had a lowly profession, often criticized by Jewish leaders for their inability to adhere fully to religious laws. Yet, they played an essential role in the community, helping to fertilize the fields by allowing their animals to graze on the leftover grain after harvest. Without them, the surrounding communities would have suffered.

The shepherds' humble role mirrors the story of Jesus Himself. While the Pharisees engaged in theological discussions about the Messiah, they criticized Jesus for His humble birth and His interactions with those considered lower in society. It is fitting that the first people invited to see the newborn Savior were these hard-working, devoted shepherds.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to us. We rejoice in knowing that He is for all people. Amen.