Written by Pastor Mark Driskill
December 20, 2011

Read: Luke 2:1-7

This is a time of occupation. Who hasn’t heard of Occupy Wall Street, a protest movement that has spilled into cities across the nation?  Angry crowds occupy the streets to protest in the midst of economic uncertainties. Soldiers are occupying Afghanistan as others pull out from Iraq as that occupation draws to a close.  Truly these are days when our hearts are occupied with anxiety, anger, and uncertainty about the future.

Were the days much different in ancient Bethlehem in the days of Jesus’ birth? A nation occupied by the ever expanding Roman empire was clamoring to answer the Caesar’s call to register for an worldwide tax.  The streets of Bethlehem were occupied with anxious citizens and oppressive soldiers.  The hearts and minds of the masses must have been occupied with anxieties not too different from the ones we face today.  And yet behind the scenes, in a small stable, a quiet, more subtle occupation was stirring.  While this occupation was barely noticeable midst all the rush it would soon prove to be the most profound occupation in history, one that continues today.  This was an occupation of hope and life and peace when God Himself would occupy human hearts.  At first, only noticed by a handful of shepherds and a young couple, it wasn’t long before it spread.

In that small town there were two occupations going on, one evident and one noticeable only to those who cared to slow down and take a look.  Today it is the same.  We have two occupations going on.  We have the masses occupying Wall Street and others occupying Bethlehem.  Which will be your occupation today?  Will you spend this season preoccupied with achieving material things and focusing on what you do not have?  Will you spend this season rushing to and fro and wringing angry hands over the almighty dollar?  Or will you slow down and take a look inside the little manger and see the one who has come to occupy your heart forever?

This season I want to encourage you to make a decision that you will occupy Bethlehem instead of Wall Street.  Focus your thoughts on the savior of the world rather than the saving of a dollar.  Get your eyes on the things that last forever. Rejoice in the reality that while this world may teeter under the weight of difficulty at the hands of power hungry fools, there is a new kingdom coming.  In fact it is already at hand for those who will believe.  Jesus has come into the world to give lasting hope and peace now and forever. Rejoice this day and join me in a new occupation.

Occupy Bethlehem!  How do you do that? Here are some suggestions:

• Simplify. Choose to have a simpler, less expensive holiday this year. Concentrate on relationships rather than things.
• Serve. Look for people less fortunate than you and find a way to be a blessing to them. Spend time at the local Nursing Home with someone who has no one. Donate food to a needy family. Brighten someone else’s holiday with simple acts of loving service and watch your joy increase.
• Share. If Jesus really is the reason for the season, prove it by telling someone about Him. Share the gospel with someone who doesn’t know Jesus. What better way is there to honor him?

Occupy Bethlehem by simplifying, serving , and sharing the love of Jesus. Then you will find his joy occupying your heart.  Be blessed and be a blessing this year.

Pastor Mark Driskill
Web Minister of Begotten By the Word web ministry
See our website at http://ourchurch.com/member/b/bbtw
and
www.facebook.com (to group “begotten by the word”)
Begotten By the Word is a ministry of Helping Hands Christian resources-Evangelism Outreach
www.hhcr05.org
(Feel free to copy in any way that will bring glory to God and further his kingdom.)