Bethlehem Hearts - by Karen Pourbabaee

“O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; cast out our sin and enter in. Be born in us today.” (O Little Town of Bethlehem)

The holy child of Bethlehem, the Messiah long-awaited, was born as prophesied in the City of David. In humble surroundings, the Bread of Life quietly arrived. How fitting that the Hebrew word for Bethlehem, Bet Lahem, means “house of bread”.

In every heart lies a Bethlehem too…a place where His Son is destined to be born. A sacred place fit for a King. When He is born in our hearts, new life arises. We receive Him as nourishment for the journey, and our hearts become a mobile tabernacle on this road of life. Bethlehem’s peace abides within, but Jesus has a path for each to walk. He implores, “Come follow Me”. We must journey to Nazareth too, to grow in wisdom and stature in the sight of God and men. Like our Lord, we must prepare for our calling.

We shall celebrate many times as at Cana. Walk dusty roads, following Him. Learn wonderful things at His feet, like Mary. And break bread with Him in the communion of life, taking food for the journey. But we will find ourselves at Gethsemane too…on our knees, humbled, and sweating. Needful of that peace of Bethlehem within our hearts…real life among the ruins.

Yet the Lord will beckon us on to Calvary, as many times as it takes. He will only lead where He has walked before. He knows the way. Trust Him. And as we die to ourselves, He is always born anew within our Bethlehem hearts.

A FaithWriters member since 2009, Karen has published award-winning short stories and devotionals in various venues. Contact