I have never been the the "Holy Land," but I am fascinated by some of the historical sites, as well as some that have taken on all kinds of traditions over the years, whether legitimate or not.

One such site is the Church of the Nativity, a basilica located in Bethlehem in the West Bank of Palestine. Supposedly the basilica was built on the very spot where Jesus was born, though I can't say I am convinced. The church was originally commissioned by Constantine the Great over three centuries later, in 325–326 AD, after local traditions had considered that location to be the original birthplace of Christ. The grotto is the oldest site continuously used as a place of worship in Christianity, and the basilica is the oldest major church building in the Holy Land.

Many people visit the Church of the Nativity each year on their trips to the Holy Land, and when they do they usually remember the entry way that is so small, you have to stoop down to enter in. But a closer look reveals that there was once a larger entrance that has been filled in to make the opening smaller.

According to tradition, the opening was reduced because back in the Middle Ages the knights would come to the chapel seeking the priest’s blessing before they would ride off into battle. And many would proudly ride right through the door on their horse and expect to receive a blessing without ever dismounting from their horse. Kind of a drive-through blessing service, middle ages style.

The priests didn’t appreciate the lack of respect so they blocked in the doorway until the opening was so small that no one could come seeking God’s blessing without first getting down off of their horse and bowing down when they came into the presence of God. And in doing so, they provide a helpful Christmas reminder for all of us.

As we celebrate the coming of the one who was "meek and lowly" this Christmas, perhaps the most appropriate thing for all of us to do would be to get down off our own high horse and humbly bow our lives before the Lord. There's nothing more fitting for this season than to come in humility to worship the King, born in that Bethlehem stable.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.  From my family to yours, have a blessed Christmas! 

--Pastor Ken