“One Night in Bethlehem”
Gene Allen Groner of Independence, MO, USA
Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. -2 Timothy 2:22
After reading an article from Apostle Ron Harmon about the Buddhists’ “compassionate way,” I felt inspired to write this short poem about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. I have been to Bethlehem and felt the compassionate love of Jesus while visiting the traditional religious site of Jesus’ birth.
“One Night in Bethlehem.”
One night in Bethlehem
A long time ago
A child was born
A child was born
To Mary and Joseph
Their firstborn son
And on that night
A star shined bright
For all the world to see
Hope was born
That night in Bethlehem
And they named him Jesus
Prayer Phrase
God, help me seek peace for me, peace for us, peace for everyone, and peace for our planet. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
