BETHLEHEM HEART

BETHLEHEM HEART

Bethlehem offered them a basic, warm shelter.

There was a decided lack of maternity care.

An inappropriate place for birthing,
Yet the Baby’s parents had privacy there.

People were stressed about their taxes.

Their lives were in turmoil at best.

Not very sanitary for a newborn

But His family in the stable found rest.

What would I have done at that taxing?

Would I have offered my room for a Child?

How could anyone know that history

Was to be birthed through Mary so mild?

Would my heart have offered a Bethlehem shelter?

Would I unselfishly share my small room?

Lord, may our hearts hospitably be open

So that spiritual events will bloom.

Forgive me for the clutter of my stable.

Forgive me for the fuss and the stress.

Christmas is a time to shelter others

But I have bustled about in distress.

Today, I will open my heart to Him.

I’ll clean up my life and find space.

Help me to become a Bethlehem shelter.

I long to see that dear Baby’s face.

When my heart is a Bethlehem shelter.

When my life welcomes the homeless in love.

I will know that I’ve been with Jesus

And Bethlehem’s shelter is preparation above.