BETHLEHEM
Bethlehem is nine km south of Jerusalem and its former name was Ephrath. Bethlehem means “the house of bread” because it was a fertile land for farming and animal rearing. Jesus, who said, “I am the living bread which has come down from Heaven” (Jn 6:51a), was born in that house of bread that produced food for the Jews. Matthew specifies the birthplace of Jesus as “Bethlehem, in Judea” to distinguish it from another Bethlehem near the Sea of Galilee that was part of the tribe of Zebulun (Josh 19:15).
This temporary living of Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem far south from Galilee and easily accessible to Egypt for escape was the providential arrangement of God to protect the Holy Family from the snares of treacherous King of Jews, Herod the Great who wanted no other king to be born for Jews.
Joseph and Mary reached Bethlehem after a tiresome journey lasting several days. Then it was time for Mary to give birth to her son. What a trying situation for the Holy Family! Had the delivery taken place in Nazareth, it would have happened in their own home under the supervision of a midwife and with the support of family, relatives, and friends.
Because of Mary’s advanced pregnancy, Joseph and Mary travelled slowly. So, they could not reach in time to get accommodation in an inn. The inns of those times would be primitive shelters with accommodation for travelers and their animals. According to Biblical scholars, Bethlehem, being a minor city, had only one inn.
Old Testament events had happened in Bethlehem are:
1. Jacob’s favorite wife Rachel died on the road to Ephrath (Bethlehem) and he buried her near Ephrath where Jacob erected a pillar to mark her grave (Gen 35:19-20; 48:7).
2. Ruth lived and married Boaz here (Ruth 1:22).
3. Bethlehem was the home and city of David (1 Sam 16:1; 17:12; 20:6).
4. God had promised to David that the Messiah would come from his descendants (1 Chr 17:11-14).
5. Prophet Micah had specified that the Messiah will come from Bethlehem (Mic 5:2).
REFLECTION
Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies. Matthew identifies them in his gospel because he wrote his gospel for the Jews and Jewish Christians. We had no control over our place and time of birth. God selected them and our parents. God, who pre-planned our life in this world, has a plan for us. This is to reach Him through His Son, who is the way to the Father. Let us follow him and his path of salvation.