This week we will be preparing our hearts for the lighting of the second Advent Candle this coming Sunday. The second purple candle of the Advent Wreath traditionally represents Bethlehem. Our first candle, if you remember, pointed us back to the prophets who foretold the coming of Jesus, the Light of the world. It seems quite appropriate that the second candle would encourage us next to remember the very place where Jesus was born. Pondering Bethlehem this week, take time to consider where you are spiritually at currently, how Jesus can use someone as insignificant as we are, and even where Jesus found you when He drew you to His Light. Take a look at today's Scripture. Then travel back with me for a moment to ancient Bethlehem.
"Can you imagine the scene? Bethlehem, the 'too little' city (Micah 5:2), teeming with more people than it could hold, animals running wildly in the dirty streets, more noise than the native could possibly stand, and of course, an astronomical increase in commerce! Caesar Augustus surely had only given them a certain amount of time to get themselves registered under his census. This description of Bethlehem sounds a little like our malls at Christmas, doesn't it? It seems that there are just too many people, too much commotion, too many kids who are whining and crying as they stand in line to see Santa. And every year, starting the day after Halloween, we feel the pressure of the short amount of time we have left to get everything bought, prepared, and sent. The 'countdown' to Christmas creates its own kind of frenzy, as we 'buy' into the pressures of Christmas, the pressures that we have created for ourselves.
But the spiritual scene of Bethlehem was far bleaker than the physical chaos of the day. You see, for all who lived in or traveled to Bethlehem, whether Jew or Gentile, whether under the Law given by Moses or under Roman Law, this one thing was sure: those who were gathering in Bethlehem were without a Savior. The Messiah had not yet come, and spiritual darkness was the rule of the day. The same could be said of most people today.
For the Jews, the only way that they could escape from sin was through their yearly atonement for their sins, a day called Yom Kippur. Each year they would come and offer a sacrifice at the temple to remove God's penalty that they should receive for the sins that they had committed that year. That is what they were required to do. But that Law could never set them free from sinning again. Returning to the temple and repeating this process, over and over again, for their entire lives, only left them in the exact same spiritual place. They would continue to live in utter darkness because the Light had yet to shine into their personal darkness.
If we are believers in Christ, we have already experienced the freedom for sin that can only be found in Him. But generally speaking, we still live in a very dark world. Many, if not most, of our family members, our co-workers, the shoppers, the sales people, and the cashiers, and even our fellow football enthusiasts are still trapped in their sin and darkness, with no way of escape as long as they are continue to refuse the forgiveness of Christ. There might even be some with whom we worship every Sunday who have not truly given themselves to the Christ Child. The Light is not in them, and just like the Jews, and the Gentiles who were not yet grafted into God's family, people are lost and are living in the exact same total darkness.
Our reading for today tells of a man and woman who have made a very difficult journey to Bethlehem. They were obedient to the one who was their earthly ruler, even though the trip would be quite uncomfortable, having been required of them at what appeared to be an ill-timed moment. However, as the Lord would have it, Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem just in time for Mary to give birth to Jesus, the Light of the world. That very night the Light would shine brightly in dark and sinful Bethlehem. And with the passing of time, that Light has now spread to the entire world.
The time has come for you to step out in faith and bring the Light to someone you know who doesn't yet have the joy and the Light of Bethlehem. Be obedient to the call of the One you claim is the Ruler of your life and preach the good news! You might feel uncomfortable, even as Mary did as she traveled for days on a donkey in rough terrain being nine months pregnant, but it will be worth it! Watch this week, and throughout the season, for someone with whom you can share your precious Light."
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