Finding True Peace: A Journey from Bethlehem to Today

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Season of Advent
2. The Dusty Road to Bethlehem
3. The Oppressed Bethlehemites
4. The Promise of Peace
5. The False Promises of Earthly Kings
6. Defining True Peace
7. The Arrival of the New King
8. The Cost of Fake Peace
9. The Current State of Bethlehem
10. Becoming Peacemakers
11. Seeking True Peace
12. The Power of Jesus in Peacemaking
13. Choosing True Peace Over Fake Peace
14. Embracing the Messy Work of Peace
15. Building Bridges and Healing Wounds
16. Asking God for His Peace
17. Conclusion

👑 The Season of Advent

The season of Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation as we reflect on the past, present, and future work of Jesus. It is a moment for us to pause, find a quiet place away from the noise and busyness, and allow ourselves to be refreshed and reoriented in the presence of God. As we journey through this season, may we catch a glimpse of Jesus's past work, experience His presence in the present, and eagerly anticipate His plans for the future.

🚶‍♂️ The Dusty Road to Bethlehem

The road leading to Bethlehem had been worn down by the boots of Roman soldiers and the hooves of their horses. This small town, just an hour's walk from Jerusalem, was home to a humble community of farmers, potters, and shepherds. They lived under the oppressive rule of the Romans, struggling to make a living while enduring heavy taxes. Throughout history, Bethlehem had seen a succession of foreign rulers and changing political powers, leaving its residents feeling oppressed and beaten down.

😔 The Oppressed Bethlehemites

The people of Bethlehem had become all too familiar with the endless list of foreign rulers and the burdensome taxes imposed on them. They had been passed from one empire to another, constantly experiencing the upheavals brought about by changing regimes. It must have felt like a game of tennis, with different rulers coming and going, each promising peace but ultimately failing to deliver. The humble homeowners and shopkeepers of Bethlehem longed for the days of King David, a ruler from their own ranks, who sought God's heart and pursued true peace.

Pros:

• The people of Bethlehem had a strong sense of their past and the peace they desired.
• They held on to hope, relying on the promises of the prophet Micah.

Cons:

• The constant changes in rulers and regimes led to a sense of instability and oppression for the Bethlehemites.

✨ The Promise of Peace

In the midst of their longing for peace, the people of Bethlehem held on to the words of the prophet Micah. This ancient prophecy spoke of a future King who would come from Bethlehem, whose origins were from ancient times. It was a promise that out of this seemingly insignificant town, a ruler would arise to shepherd his people and bring true peace. This peace would not be achieved through swords and conquest, but through humble beginnings and a heart dedicated to God.

🌍 The False Promises of Earthly Kings

The Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus promised peace to the world on his birthday, hailing it as a divine gift. However, this peace came at the price of defeating and oppressing every enemy, silencing any dissenting voices. The world's idea of peace was rooted in the exertion of power and control, an artificial peace that could never truly satisfy. The Bethlehemites knew all too well that this kind of peace was fleeting and superficial, with each new ruler bringing about a change in uniforms but not in the underlying issues.

Pros:

• The Bethlehemites recognized the empty promises of earthly kings and their false conceptions of peace.

Cons:

• The people had to endure the oppressive rule of the Romans, which created a sense of hopelessness and despair.

💔 Defining True Peace

Unlike the peace promised by earthly kings, true peace goes beyond the absence of conflict. It is not about silencing those who disagree or exerting power over others. True peace, or shalom in Hebrew, is the presence of justice and the restoration of all things. It is a state where everything is made right, where wounds are healed, and where enemies become friends. This is the kind of peace that the prophet Micah spoke of, a peace that comes from the humble origins of Bethlehem and the birth pains of a mother.

Pros:

• True peace seeks justice and longs to heal the wounds of victimization.
• It goes beyond superficial solutions and confronts the root issues.

Cons:

• The concept of true peace may be difficult for some to grasp, as it requires personal transformation and vulnerability.

🌟 The Arrival of the New King

In the midst of a humble setting, the long-awaited King arrived in Bethlehem. This was no powerful ruler with an army to overthrow the oppressors. Instead, Jesus came as a baby, born in a humble manger, in fulfillment of the ancient prophecies. The arrival of Jesus brought hope and joy to the hearts of those who heard the shepherds' breathless news. Finally, the people of Bethlehem could witness the glory of God being brought to earth and experience His peace, His shalom.

Pros:

• The birth of Jesus brought hope and joy to the people of Bethlehem.
• It fulfilled the ancient prophecies and demonstrated God's faithfulness.

Cons:

• Some may struggle to understand how a humble baby could bring about true peace.

💔 The Cost of Fake Peace

While the birth of Jesus brought true peace, it also highlighted the cost of fake peace. King Herod, threatened by the news of a new king, ordered the massacre of all boys born in Bethlehem in the previous two years. This was the harsh reality of the world's way of making peace – through the oppressive exertion of power and the sacrifice of innocent lives. The people of Bethlehem experienced firsthand the consequences of pursuing false peace.

Pros:

• The massacre ordered by King Herod exemplifies the consequences of pursuing false peace.
• It emphasizes the contrast between the world's way of peace and the peace brought by Jesus.

Cons:

• The tragic events may evoke strong emotions in readers.

🌍 The Current State of Bethlehem

Even today, Bethlehem remains a city caught in a bitter war between Israelis and Palestinians. The conflict continues, serving as a stark reminder that peace cannot be achieved through the exertion of power or the silencing of the opposing side. The current state of Bethlehem serves as a powerful symbol of the ongoing need for true peacemaking, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Pros:

• The current state of Bethlehem adds relevance and a real-life context to the discussion of peace.
• It emphasizes the need for true peacemaking based on justice and reconciliation.

Cons:

• The mention of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may be sensitive for some readers.
• It may feel overwhelming to address such a complex and long-standing conflict.