The Way
Night in Bethlehem
A night with no room, a song over the fields
Story
A single line from the emperor set a whole empire on the road. To be registered, everyone had to go to the town of their ancestors. Joseph left Nazareth with Mary, whose time to give birth was near. Over hills and through valleys they finally reached Bethlehem, and it was already crowded with people.
At every door they knocked on, the answer was the same. No room. In the end, the place where they lay down was where the animals were kept. That night Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped the baby snugly in cloth and laid him in a feeding trough. In the cold air, a small breath rose white.
At the same hour, out in the fields beyond the town, shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks through the night. Suddenly the sky grew bright as noon. As they fell to the ground in fear, an angel spoke to them. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for you. Then a great heavenly army appeared and sang. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace. The shepherds ran through the dark and found the baby lying in the manger. As they told what they had heard, Mary said nothing, and kept all these things in her heart.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will be great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David your Savior is born, Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to the people in whom he delights.
Come, let us go to Bethlehem and see with our own eyes this thing the Lord has made known to us.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 1:25 · Lk 2:1–20
Background
The Greek word 'kataluma', usually rendered 'inn', can also mean the guest room of a family home. So some interpret Jesus as being born on the lower floor of a house where livestock were kept, or in a cave.
Pause and Reflect
How glad am I that God came to a low and humble place?