Perhaps it’s taboo, but I’ve rewritten a favorite Christmas hymn.
You’ve heard, “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.”
A number of us folks from Hosanna got to visit Bethlehem and the Holy Land back in October and now we sing, “Oh Crazy Town of Bethlehem, your traffic makes me cry.”
Bethlehem today is 25,000 hustling bustling people, an ancient city with many modern amenities. You can see the Church of the Nativity built over the cave, which was the stable where Jesus was born. Then go down the street to Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch. It’s a crazy busy town and most of the residents there don’t really think very much about the miracle from heaven which took place there.
The long-promised Messiah sent from heaven was born there, God himself in flesh and blood. Heaven literally touched the Earth right there in that place and most of the people are way too busy to give it a second thought.
That was the case even on the night of Jesus’ birth. Travelers were in town; family reunions were taking place. The market was busy with meals to cook, visits to have, and the census taking place. The people were just too busy to stop and see the miracle in the manger.
Are you too busy still? This Christmas season don’t overload your schedule and miss the miracle again. Place a stopping point or two on your calendar and make sure that you take pause to give thanks for the greatest gift this world has ever known.
Come join us at Hosanna Lutheran Church for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Christmas Eve is at 5 p.m., when the children tell us the story again, the miracle of heaven presented by voices so cute you can hardly stand it. Then at 8 p.m., the Christmas Eve Candlelight will share again the good news of great joy that really is for all the people.
And Christmas morning at 9 a.m., well, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the Newborn King!” Join us for these celebrations.
Even before those days arrive, take some time on Sunday mornings and hear the promises made and fulfilled. Midweek Advent services on Wednesday evenings also share the story. A beautiful Christmas Cantata on Dec. 14 and 15 shares the story in spectacular music.
Merry Christmas!
Don’t race on past the miracle of Christmas. Find some more information on all these celebrations at www.hosanna-lcms.com.