O Little Town of Bethlehem
Scripture Text: Micah 5:1-15; Luke 2:1-7
Quotes for Reflection
Jean-Pierre De Caussade, The Sacrament of the Present Moment
Outwardly Mary's life is represented as simple and ordinary. She does and suffers what others in her situation do and suffer; she visits her cousin Elizabeth as other relations do; she goes to Bethlehem for the census as others do; she lodges in a stable in consequence of her poverty; she returns to Nazareth having been forced to leave on account of Herod's persecution. She lives quietly with Jesus and Joseph who work for their living. Such is the daily bread of the Holy Family. But by what bread do Mary and Joseph nourish their faith? How is what happens moment by moment a sacrament for them? What do they discern beneath the seemingly everyday events which occupy them? What is seen is similar to what happens to the rest of mankind. But what is unseen, that which faith discovers and unravels, is nothing less than God fulfilling his mighty purpose. O bread of angels, celestial manna, precious Evangel, sacrament of the present moment, you bring God to the mean surroundings of a lowly stable in a manger among straw and hay. But to whom do you give yourself? God reveals himself to the humble in small things-‘He has filled the hungry with good things’ (Luke 1:53).
N.T. Wright, Luke for Everyone
The birth of this little boy is the beginning of a confrontation between the kingdom of God – in all its apparent weakness, insignificance and vulnerability – and the kingdoms of the world. Augustus never heard of Jesus of Nazareth. But within a century or so his successors in Rome had not only heard of him; they were taking steps to obliterate his followers. Within just over three centuries the Emperor himself became a Christian. When you see the manger on a card, or in church, don’t stop at the crib. See what it’s pointing to. It is pointing to the explosive truth that the baby lying there is already being spoken of as the true king of the world.
Application Questions
1. What sentiment is evoked by the scene portrayed in verse one of O Little Town of Bethlehem and how does that inform your relationship to power?
2. Why is vulnerability the doorway for gospel transformation?
3. What needs to be emptied from your own heart that you might be filled?