Have You Been to Bethlehem Lately?

Four years ago I had the great privilege to visit Israel. The purpose of the trip was business, not pleasure. I was going to meet other WELS missionaries from around the world for a workshop on a new method of teaching Greek in our world seminaries. A secondary purpose was simply to do some networking with these missionaries and share ideas that might have benefits in our own areas of ministry. We achieved those purposes.

Of course, since we had all traveled to the country that God used as the stage for much of his plan of salvation, we couldn’t help but take a little time to see what we could. We had two days before the workshop started and two after it finished, and in that time we saw sites with connections to many biblical figures - Abraham, David, Ahab, Paul, Herod the Great, and, of course, Jesus.

It was an unforgettable experience to see those places and walk the same paths that our Savior and our ancestors by faith trod. At the same time, though, it was a let-down. Those trying to capitalize on all the tourism distract from the deep meaning held by these historic jewels. And the true message that Christ came to bring is almost nonexistent.

Thank the Lord that we don’t have to travel to the so-called “Holy Land” in order to see Jesus and hear his voice. The shepherds may have had to travel to Bethlehem to see their Savior, but we do not. It’s been four years since I traveled there, but I’ve seen and heard him many, many times since then. And so, I pray, have you. Every time we go to his word, either at church or at home or anywhere else, we are traveling to Bethlehem and seeing the little Child born for us and laid in the manger. Not only do we see him, but we see why he came. And so long as we continue to seek him there in his word, we can be certain that his message will never be clouded or distorted.

But we must go there often. Occasional visits will not do. The less we see of our Savior, the blurrier he and his work on our behalf become. So I ask you, “Have you been to Bethlehem lately?” Though he was born so long ago, he still waits for you there. He wants you to visit him every day. He wants you to bring your families along. He wants to speak with you and give you his precious gifts. As you might guess, he is a most hospitable host. So go there! Not to Israel (though if you have the chance, by all means take it), but to your Bible, to his word and promises of grace and mercy, to the true story of a child come down from heaven to make peace between God and the people of this world.

May God bless your preparations and celebrations this Advent and Christmas season!

- Pastor Foxen