The Christmas Stories and the book Advent Journeys takes us to Bethlehem. Bethlehem is at the crest of a hill along the Central Ridge Road traversed by countless travelers over the years.  Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would have passed this way as they journeyed from the north to Hebron and Beer-Sheva. Rachel, the wife of Jacob died at Bethlehem (Ge 35:16-18) giving birth to Benjamin.  

Bethlehem, because of location was a strong point along the road.  One of the Judges, Ibzan (Judges 12:8-10) is from Bethlehem. (In the Talmud [Bava Batra 91a] Rabbah teaches Ibzan was Boaz of the book of Ruth.)  The Philistines at one point maintained a garrison here (2 Sam. 23:14).  The city was a prize to be fought for as the People of Israel claimed this important town.

The area around Bethlehem (as many places in Israel) was a place to pasture sheep.  Boaz, a wealthy landowner was from this town, as well as Elimelech.  The book of Ruth recounts how Boaz comes to marry Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Elimelech.  To this couple was born a son named Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David.

The area through history remained, as it had been: a rural community at a crossroads.  David protected his home town.  Sorek Valley (of Samson & Delilah fame) and Elah Valley (where David fought Goliath).  Bethlehem is located close to Tekoa, the village Amos called home.  Tekoa was also the location for King Herod’s favorite fortress, Herodium.  From the top of Herodium one can see Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Masada and other fortresses.

The town of Bethlehem, known as “the house of bread,” gained prominence and importance as the birthplace of King David.  Although the population did not increase, the town earned a place in history.  Micah says of Bethlehem: “Now gather yourself in troops, O daughter of troops; He has laid siege against us; They will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.  But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.  Therefore He shall give them up, until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; then the remnant of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel.  And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; and they shall abide, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth; And this One shall be peace.” (5:1-5)