All Because Of Bethlehem

​The tears flow this morning.

This arrival in Bethlehem, with so many emotions.

I have never paid more attention to the meaning of Christmas as I have this Christmas.

I have never needed it, the meaning of Christmas, as much as I have needed it this Christmas.

And as such, in many ways, I literally wake up feeling as if I am in Bethlehem this morning. I am a wise man. A shepherd. Joseph. Overwhelmed by the beauty of this Christ child.

I have no words that can capture my heart for Bethlehem this year more than the words offered to us by Matthew West through his song, Because of Bethlehem.

*****

Just a tiny nowhere town
With a tiny no-room inn
This is where the greatest story ever told begins
Where just a tiny beating heart
Had all creation leaning in
That night the world forever changed
Because of Bethlehem

It's where a star led to a stable
A baby's cry made angels sing
And the search to find a savior
Led to Heaven's humble King
Where the wise men found thе answer
The shephеrds found the Lamb
And I found my Immanuel
Because of Bethlehem

Love is born
Hope is here
Heaven's light has made the darkness disappear
Peace on earth
Good will to men
God with us
All because of Bethlehem

From a child in a cradle
To a king upon a cross
He knew the road was leading Him
To pay a crimson cost
And when no other arms could carry
The weight of all our sin
He took the fall and it happened all
Because of Bethlehem

From a tomb that love left empty
To a Father's right hand throne
And a promise He's preparing us
A place we'll soon call home
He who came to earth from heaven
Is coming back again
And our eyes will see eternity
Because of Bethlehem

Love is born
Hope is here
Heaven's light has made the darkness disappear
Peace on earth
Good will to men
God with us
All because of Bethlehem

*****

I, Keith, am forever loved because of Bethlehem.

I am forever complete brokenness made whole because of Bethlehem.

I am forever treasured and seen and admired for who I am, the real me, because of Bethlehem.

Heaven's light has made forever the darkness in me disappear - because of Bethlehem.

May all of you, my dear and precious friends, find light in your darkness. And in moments when if indeed it feels like there is no light to be found, I encourage you, go to Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is open well before and well after Christmas.

It waits for you with open arms.

God with us, ALL of us, all because of Bethlehem.

Merry Christmas dear friends.