Day 4: O Little Town of Bethlehem

    This classic always conjured up a sleepy, peaceful little town of pueblo-style buildings under a starlit sky. The reality was that it was a tiny town, ill-equipped to handle the influx of travelers that the census caused. Bethlehem (this is a brief, but interesting article) was the birthplace to another famous Jewish king-David. That lineage led Joseph, a Davidic descendant, back to the "House of Bread"-the literal meaning of Bethlehem. Pretty fitting name for the birthplace of the "Bread of Life", huh?

Lyrics: "O Little Town of Bethlehem" (extra credit: tidbits on the story behind the song!)

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #85

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. Why do you think it was important that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, rather than Joseph and Mary's native town of Nazereth?

2. Ruth was from Bethlehem (bonus points if you know how she was related to David). How does her story in some ways foreshadow Christ?

3. We tend to think of Bethlehem as a quiet, dark town. With all the travelers, that very well might not have been the case. Do you think that perhaps all the hustle, bustle and noise somewhat masked that most important birth? Is that an accurate reflection of Christmas in the world today? How?


Looking for the printable that contains all 25 days of songs and Scriptures? Its here!