We Are Bethlehem

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body” (Matthew 26:26 NKJV).

Let’s begin by thinking of bread as staple food—a basic dietary item that one can survive on for a long time. Actually, bread is such a fundamental source that it becomes synonymous for food in general. Now consider this truth. Once we accept Jesus Christ as Lord, He fills us to overflowing with every good thing and satisfies our every longing (Psalm 107:9). He also declares, “I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10 NKJV). He satiates us with vital nourishment in order to bless other people. Becoming necessary health for those around us whether they have spiritual, physical, or emotional needs.

Looking way back, when fullness of time came, God manifested Himself as a baby. He performed a divine miracle by placing the Holy child within Virgin Mary’s womb (ark) “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:31 NKJV). As promised, she brought forth her firstborn Son and laid Him in a manger. While Mary and Joseph wrapped the Christ-child in swaddling cloths, God covered Him in garments of humanity. The Son of God became the Son of Man…that the sons of men might become sons of God. A win-win situation.

Virtually, our Anointed One, born in Bethlehem (house of bread) came to give His life as ransom for all “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel (Micah 5:2a NKJV). Jesus declared in John’s gospel that He (Himself) is the Living Bread sent down from heaven “If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever” (John: 6:51).

In like manner, we represent a type of Bethlehem when we allow God to dwell within us in the form of the Holy Spirit “Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit who lives within you?” (1 Corinthians 1:9). Consequently, we harbor the Bread of Life. ‘We are Bethlehem.‘ All believers in Christ are carriers of the only Life, the only Truth and the only Way. May Bethlehem’s Bread fill our hungry hearts this Christmas season and every day thereafter.