A Christmas Story from Bethlehem
One of the most powerful Christmas stories I know involves a pastor from Boston who came to Israel seeking God. Philip Brooks, a preacher in the 1850s, had doubts about God’s reality despite his ministry. His church gave him a sabbatical to find answers, and he chose Israel as the place to discover who God was.
Philip Brooks’ Journey to Faith
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 NKJV)
In the 1860s Philip Brooks arrived in Jerusalem then traveled ten miles south to Bethlehem. On Christmas Eve he sat on the hills where shepherds once saw angels, watching the sun rise over the town, praying for an encounter with God. That night something was born in his heart—he met the God of Israel and was born again.
The Hymn Born on the Hills
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 NKJV)
As he overlooked Bethlehem—a small town of two or three thousand people—Philip Brooks wrote the words to the hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem. The lyrics capture the silent wonder of Christ’s birth: 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. For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above, while mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King and peace to men on earth. How silently how silently the wondrous gift is given, so God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still the dear Christ enters in. O holy child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray, cast out our sin and enter in be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell, O come to us abide with us our Lord Emmanuel.
Be Born in Us Today
“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15 NKJV)
People talk about a sinner’s prayer—I have never seen a better one than this: O holy child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray, cast out our sin and enter in be born in us today. What happened to Philip Brooks all those years ago can happen to you right now.
The Invitation of Christmas
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV)
Christmas is not just about a birth long ago—it is about Christ being born in our hearts today. Open the door to him, let him cast out sin and enter in.
Let that truth settle in your spirit.
Selah.
Scriptures for Further Study: John 1:14, Luke 2:11, Hebrews 3:15, Revelation 3:20, Luke 2:8-14, John 3:16, Galatians 4:4-5, Isaiah 9:6, Micah 5:2, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 2:1-2, Luke 1:35, John 1:1-3, Romans 5:8, Titus 3:4-7, 1 John 4:9-10, Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23, John 10:10, John 14:6
