As Christmas approaches, I remember my trip to Bethlehem. It was 15 years ago, but I remember like it was yesterday. I didn’t expect it to impact me as much as it did.
The atmosphere in Bethlehem wasn’t peaceful as in other parts of the Holy Land. A lot of strife and hostility in the area contributed to that. As an intercessor, I felt spiritually heavy the moment we entered the territory.
The Church of the Nativity was overly crowded that day. I’ve seen photos where the place seems empty with just a few visitors sitting and meditating. But not the day we were there. I just looked forward to having this experience behind us.
We had to wait in a long, almost claustrophobic line to visit the grotto where it’s believed Jesus was born. Being a short person, I felt jostled and uncomfortable. We were asked not to linger to keep the line moving. Not the peaceful, contemplative encounter I had experienced at other Holy Land sites.
As I approached the star in the ground that marks the place of Jesus’ birth, the line piled up. Even though we needed to keep moving, I think we all felt the same way. This was a once in a lifetime moment, so we would take a moment.
I knelt down, as many folks were doing, and put my hand on the star. Everything got quiet. It was as if the crowd disappeared. I was only aware of God and me. The moment seemed outside of time. I knew I couldn’t linger, but I didn’t need to. It was a kairos moment: God’s time.
With that one touch of my hand to the ground, I was fully aware: this was the place. Where heaven touched earth. Where human life and eternity changed forever. The beginning of our restoration to God.
The moment was breathtaking. I wouldn’t have traded it for all the uncrowded, quiet spaces in the world. God came to live among us: fully God becoming fully human, so we could be redeemed and renewed. So we could live and enjoy forever with Him.
My hand on that star told me what my brain could barely take in: the magnitude of that miracle of Jesus’ birth. And the endless depths of God’s love that caused that moment to be.
Heaven touched earth. I felt it. My whole being knew it was all true. His Holy Spirit that lives in us means heaven continues to touch earth today.
And I discovered I could have those peaceful, quiet moments with God even in a crowded, hurried space.
Heaven touched earth. My hand on a star. His fingerprints on my heart.
It’s not necessary to visit the Holy Land to experience heaven touching earth. I may be one of those experiential learners that does better with hands-on moments. But in reality, we can all experience that same kairos moment just by focusing on God each day. Staying connected, walking intentionally with Him. Just being with Him.
That’s why Jesus was born. Because God wants to be with us. Today and forever.
Thank You, God, for Jesus’ birth. For making a way to restore us in our relationship with You forever. Thank You that heaven touched earth and still does today. That Your Holy Spirit lives in us. That there is no place You would rather be than right here with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Adventures with God 