Why Bethlehem?

Aren't they adorable? Or should I say WEREN'T they adorable. That was a while ago when this picture of our baby lambs was taken. We sure miss raising lambs, now that we no longer have the farmstead. We've been kinda reminiscing about them lately, especially since there is so much emphasis this time of year on the babe from Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes and found in a manger.

Did you ever wonder what the significance of Bethlehem was, in the GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD? If not, then you are in for a treat!

During the 1st century, Bethlehem and the immediate surrounding pasture lands were where the lambs were raised that would be used for Passover Temple services. Very near Bethlehem in a place called Migdal Eder (meaning watch tower). There's a prophesy in Micah about this "Watch Tower " as it related to Messiah. In this area of Bethlehem was the place where that ancient watch tower was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts as well as the place that ewes were kept, which would give birth to the*potential* lambs used in Temple service. From this stock would be raised some very special lambs. Lambs without blemish.

Not all were born without blemish of course, and those who were born without blemish could certainly develop a blemish later and be 'disqualified'. But this was the place designated where they'd have their start in life. You may recall that scripture says these lambs were raised for a year and examined carefully before being declared by a levitical priest to be offered in the Passover services. This was the place where the shepherds were, who received the glad tidings of great joy. These shepherds were trained to care for the newborn lambs and to make sure that those born without blemish would be protected, and these particular ones would be carefully wrapped in gauze cloths for protection (and maybe identification?)

Can you imagine the impact the message from Luke 2:12 would have had on those shepherds? "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Oh, Holy NIGHT! It seems the sign was that this One born was destined for something very special indeed, in terms of Temple service.

Today we call it Bethlehem (not sure why the change in name was necessary in the first place) but actually the Hebrew name is Beit Lechem, which in Hebrew means *House of bread*; remember that Y'shua claimed to be the Bread of Life).

So whats the deal with the lambs - why is that important to the Story? I'm glad you asked....

"Behold the Lamb, which takes away the sin of the word" declared John, to herald the beginning of Y'shua's ministry as Messiah. Did you know that was the FIRST authenticating sign that Y'shua IS the Promised One? And that it HAD to be THAT SIGN?

You see, John was no ordinary crazy guy from the wilderness. He was a Levitical priest, though because at that time the Temple priesthood was in shambles and being led by a corrupt priesthood not sanctioned by God, he wanted nothing to do with THAT. However, he still carried and took seriously the responsibilities of the office of priesthood. When he made that statement about Y'shua, he was working in his priestly capacity to declare a 'proper offering', which was mandated in the Torah. He was that priest who would declare Him to be THAT LAMB prophesied that would come. As Isaac said, 'father, where is the sacrifice?" and Abraham answered, 'God HIMSELF will provide the lamb', the true Levitical priest declared THIS ONE is THE ONE. A Levitical priest, HAD to be the one to declare "HERE IS THE LAMB FOR SACRIFICE".

And that is the significance of Him being born in Bethlehem.

Pretty awesome, huh?

blessings,

Gail