Let's Make Our Hearts a Bethlehem

So here we are, December 23rd, hearts full, hope rising.
The only baby who chose to be a baby is almost here.

And, HERE, was Bethlehem. Why did Jesus come as a baby -- when He didn't have to. He could have arrived on the scene fully grown -- robes flowing, crown shining. When He comes again, that’s exactly how He’ll appear -- King of kings, Lord of lords.

His family chose Bethlehem. He chose diapers. Jesus is the only baby in history who chose to be a baby.

He chose helplessness. Wobbly first steps. Growing pains. Long days learning Scripture. Calloused hands in a carpenter’s shop. He lived the full spectrum of human life -- baby, child, teenager, adult -- all before stepping into ministry.

He knew hunger and thirst. Fatigue and frustration. Grief that brought tears. Anger at injustice. Sorrow so heavy it pressed on His soul. He was tempted as we are -- yet without sin. And in the end, He endured suffering beyond words.

So when life feels overwhelming --
When joy feels distant --
When our hearts ache in ways we can’t explain --

Jesus doesn’t lean back in heaven and say, “Try harder.” Oh, no!
He leans in and says, “I know.”

That’s why we’re told never to say, “I know how you feel.” We usually don’t. But Jesus does.

And He doesn’t just understand -- He redeems. He makes broken hearts new. He invites us to become children of God. He grows in us until love begins to spill out -- in our words, our choices, our everyday lives.

The question is simple and sacred -- will your life be a Bethlehem today? Donna, what do you mean by that question? Let me tell you!

When we welcome Jesus into our thoughts, our choices, our relationships, our homes -- our very lives become a Bethlehem.
A resting place for His love.
A home where His peace abides.
A space where hope is born again and again.

It simply means this -- when we open our hearts to Jesus, we make room for Him to dwell there -- not just at Christmas, but always.