Sermon for December 8th, 2013

Micah 5:2-5a

2But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. 3Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. 4And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; 5and he shall be the one of peace.

The Peaceful City

A long time ago, people roamed and wandered throughout the land--sometimes alone, sometimes in tribes and families--but always roaming, never resting more than a short while in one place. That was before they came to us. Before they came to settle in cities, towns and villages.

I say "before they came to us" but perhaps I really should say, "before they created us." For we, the cities, towns, and villages of the world, we are the creations of those who dwell within our walls. With their hands, my inhabitants formed my strong buildings; with their feet, they hardened my winding roads. With their laughter and their tears, their conflicts and their commerce, they gave me energy and vitality. Through their toils and their travels, they gave me a reputation and a name: I am called Beth'lehem. It means "house of bread."

And for thousands of years, my houses provided shelter for my people; my tables provided them with bread, and I was content. I was quiet. I am a peaceful city, a passive city, an little, unimportant city. I have no desire to be like Jerusalem with her mighty kings, like Jericho with her proud walls, or like Nineveh with her crowded marketplaces. I am a peaceful city. I am content just to watch in silence...to sleep...and to watch some more.

As I have watched, I have seen many things.

I watched Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham pass near my gates so long ago. His beloved wife, Rachel, was great with child, and Jacob was happy. I watched as Rachel gave birth to a son, Benjamin, the youngest of the twelve who would become the twelve tribes of Israel. I watched as Rachel gave birth there on the outskirts of my fields, and I watched as Jacob's happiness suddenly faltered, his wife taken from him in childbirth, too soon, too beloved. Jacob buried Rachel just over there, and I wept with him that day. Silently, from afar.

Years later, I watched as an old widow returned to me, bringing with her a young girl, also a widow. So sad were Naomi and Ruth when they came to me and dwelt within my walls. But in time, Ruth met a young man named Boaz. I watched their love for each other grow. I rejoiced with them on their wedding day, and quietly wished them many years of peace together.

I watched David. (I became the city of David)

I watched Nebuchadnezzar. (dark turn) people carried away. 100 bethlehemites came back.

I watched Micah...prophecy.

I watched Mary and Joseph.

Eventually, as the God of Israel knows well, things that are created take on a life of their own.

0:00 - I am a peaceful city. I don't get involved. 0:25 - Do I? 0:43 - God of Israel, hear my prayer... 0:52 - Let me shine, let me speak. 1:07 - (drums) And the heavens opened up 1:16 - Shepherds 1:32 - (drums) 1:49 - strings 2:14 - final build 2:20 - soaring