The hopes and fears of all the years
This title is taken from one of my
favourite Christmas carols, O Little Town of Bethlehem.
David has hopes for the future,
that his son Solomon would build the temple to the Lord. He passed on his
detailed plans, 1 Chronicles 28:11, which were inspired by the Holy Spirit v
12. This made me think we must pray for the Renew team, as they plan
alterations to Christ Church. In v 20 David reminds Solomon not to be afraid
for God is with him and will not forsake him.
Peter was writing during the reign
of Nero, probably 62-63 AD. He had fears; fears that people would be led astray
by false prophets. He speaks fiercely against the destruction caused by false
prophets and their teaching. Peter even points out God used a donkey once to
speak the truth to Balaam, 2 Peter 2:16 (see Numbers 22-24) and of course a
donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem.
Finally we return to that glorious
prophecy in Micah 5 that Bethlehem will be the birthplace of the coming
Messiah. It was a very small unlikely place, Ephrathah was the
district where Bethlehem was located and where David was born, (1 Samuel
17:12.) Micah 5:4 talks about shepherding his flock, Jesus called himself the
Good Shepherd.
Why not sing this verse O little town of Bethlehem, giving God all our
hopes and fears of the year past and the one ahead, and rejoice.
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight
(Member of Christ Church knitting group)