Some more thoughts and commentary on where i work every day.
Belén means "Bethlehem" and yesterday as i was appalled by the filth and trash and smells and sights, i kept thinking about how a place like this could be called Bethlehem... Bethlehem, that lovely place we think of where Jesus was born, a quaint little town with full inns and a cozy stable with a rustic, straw-filled manger where our Savior, the King of Heaven, was born... where noble wise men-kings and humble shepherds visited, where angels sang and a bright star shone overhead...
How is it that someone named this place Bethlehem?, i kept thinking.
however, as i´ve continued to reflect, Belén is the perfect name for this place, because Bethlehem, beyond our Christmas card images (which are more likely a product of Hallmark than reality), is the place all humanity associates with the miracle of Jesus´birth into this world. and that miracle, at it´s core is that Jesus, King of King and Lord of Lords, humbled Himself to become human so He could sympathize with our weaknesses, save us from our sinful, hopeless life and demonstrate His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, He died for us. and He lived among us - in all our filth and sin and poverty, both spiritual and physical.
"For you know the grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." (II Corinthians 8:9)
(my taxi driver, Luis)
2 comments:
On the days that I struggle with depression, I tell myself over and over again that my life is lovely; that I have many nice things, many creature comforts, and the love of family, friends, and my Saviour. And I feel guilty that knowing this doesn't lift the fog of unexplainable sadness from me. Simply thinking about the poverty of others is often too much of an abstract concept to make a difference in my mood. But reading your descriptions gives me a palpable feeling of being there -- of being in a place where things are not clean and lovely. Of being in a place where everyday life is so much harder. And it becomes easier for me to embrace the blessings of living this clean, lovely life that God has granted me. It becomes easier to throw off the shackles of sadness and find joy. Christ's love extends beyond any physical circumstance, and it's good to have a reminder of that. Thank you.
in case you hadn't heard already - mark and shelley lost their son, nathaniel alan. just got back from the funeral - sad sad times. however, rejoicing with the floyds as they welcomed ruby marie around 6am this morning.
love you. miss you. praying for you. take care.
Post a Comment