Together in Bethlehem

The Manger King 
Terry R. Baughman

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child” (Luke 2:4-5 NKJ).

Bethlehem became host to many travelers in the first century. The response to the order of Caesar Augustus that all should be registered in their home country brought people from every corner of the land. Anyone with an ancestral lineage to the city of David was required to come there to register for the census. 

For some it was more like a homecoming, especially if they still had close relatives dwelling in Bethlehem. For others, they came to fulfill their obligation and then they would be off, heading back to their homes in an effort to keep their livelihoods intact. 

For the betrothed couple is was difficult to travel, since Mary so close to the time of giving birth. Then, after the birth it was impossible to travel with a newborn child with the constant need for attending to him. Apparently, after the initial crush of people in the city, someone must have vacated a guest room making an available place to take the small child. Joseph possibly found temporary employment to make enough to provide for their basic needs. 

Nevertheless, all came together at the same time in Bethlehem of Judea (or Bethlehem-Judah). The Hebrew name literally means the house of bread and praise! Regardless of the reason for travel there or the occasion that required their visit, all were there on the fateful night when heaven kissed the earth. Though many were unaware of the event, this was to be the most important night of history. The King of Glory stooped to earth and took on the flesh of an infant to provide salvation for all humanity. 

The Bread of Life came to The House of Bread to satisfy the craving of every soul. The perceptive ones came to worship and the manger became the focus of their adoration. Shepherds and the curious came. Wisemen and wanders walked in and worshipped. Decedents of David, of the tribe of Judah, came to praise the humble place where animals were sheltered. 

Together we come. Our place of worship may be more polished. Our surrounding may be more serene, but may we also find the One worthy of our worship, The Manger King!

When we gather for worship or for communion, it is a special place, a sacred moment to remember and to rejoice in the God of our salvation who came to feed the world the Bread of Life. Our small sacrament is just a token of the incredible sacrifice He gave to redeem us from sin and justify us with God. 

As we come for communion worship, let us be overcome with the beauty of the moment and the revelation of the sacred community in which we share. God still shows up in our impromptu meetings, and in our humble surroundings He is present. Come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! 

​
Theme passage:
“There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12 NKJ).