Skip to main content

Betlehem : Berkat Dan Pengharapan

Baca: Lukas 2:1-20

"Kemuliaan bagi Allah di tempat yang mahatinggi dan damai sejahtera di bumi di antara manusia yang berkenan kepadaNya." (Lukas 2:14)

Alkitab menyatakan: "...Yusuf pergi dari kota Nazaret di Galilea ke Yudea, ke kota Daud yang bernama Betleham, - karena ia berasal dari keluarga dan keturunan Daud - supaya didaftarkan bersama-sama dengan Maria, tunangannya, yang sedang mengandung. Ketika mereka di situ tibalah waktunya bagi Maria untuk bersalin," (ayat 4-6).

Bukan suatu kebetulan jika Yesus dilahirkan di Betlehem; semua dalam rencana Allah. Dalam bahasa Ibrani, nama 'Betlehem' berarti 'rumah roti', berbicara tentang berkat Tuhan. Di Betlehem inilah Allah menyediakan berkat-berkat bagi umat manusia sebagaimana disampaikan malaikatNya, "...aku memberitakan kepadamu kesukaan besar untuk seluruh bangsa: Hari ini telah lahir bagimu Juruselamat, yaitu Kristus, Tuhan, di kota Daud." (ayat 10-11). Inilah inti berita Natal yaitu kehendak Allah sendiri untuk memberikan anugerahNya bagi setiap orang yang percaya.

Di Betlehem Allah telah mendemonstrasikan kasihNya yang tak terbatas, di mana Ia menjadi sama dengan manusia. Suatu perkara yang tidak bisa dimengerti oleh orang-orang dunia: kasih Allah juga mengandung janji yang pasti yaitu jaminan hidup kekal bagi setiap orang yang percaya. "Barangsiapa percaya kepada Anak, ia beroleh hidup yang kekal, tetapi barangsiapa tidak taat kepada Anak, ia tidak akan melihat hidup, melainkan murka Allah tetap ada di atasnya." (Yohanes 3:36).

Kehadiran Yesus Kristus ke dunia memberikan pengharapan baru dan juga masa depan. Ketika dunia diliputi oleh kegelapan yang begitu pekat, Yesus hadir dengan terangNya yang ajaib. Hari ini, "Terang yang sesungguhnya, yang menerangi setiap orang, sedang datang ke dalam dunia." (Yohanes 1:9). Kini kegelapan tidak lagi menguasainya! Maka dari itu bersukacitalah dan "Marilah kita pergi ke Betlehem untuk melihat apa yang terjadi di sana," (Lukas 2:15b). Lihatlah! Para gembala dan orang-orang Majus datang ke Betlehem. Mereka tidak datang dengan tangan hampa, tapi yang terbaik dari hidupnya mereka persembahkan kepada Tuhan!

Di hari Natal ini mari kita persembahkan hidup kita dan segala yang ada pada kita; karena Dialah kita beroleh anugerah keselamatan!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Painting of Destiny

"Are you sure of this, Navan?" The old pirate stared at King Mannas' chief merchant. However, his bright emerald green eyes sparkled with laughter. "The information came from Daoud, one of my former crew members, when I was ravaging the coastal villages of Vyrone." Navan smiled at the expression crossing Gerrod's face, whose family had fled from one of these villages. The Iron Falcon was a legend and parents had always used the threat of its crew and its flaming-haired captain to scare naughty children into sleeping and behaving differently. Gerrod quickly recovered and smiled. "Then he must be a man to be trusted, indeed." "Ah!" cried Navan. "Daoud will take the coin from the mouth of a dead man while it is still warm. I trust him only because he knows the fate of him who lies to me." I may have made him captain when I decided to infiltrate King Mannas' court, but he still knows who is in charge. "We must tell ...

Good Morning America is a popular

Good Morning America is a popular morning news show that airs on ABC. It has been a staple in American households since its debut in 1975. The show covers a wide range of topics including news, entertainment, lifestyle, and pop culture. With its team of talented hosts and reporters, Good Morning America provides its viewers with the latest updates on current events and trending stories. One of the things that sets Good Morning America apart from other morning shows is its lively and energetic atmosphere. The hosts, including Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Michael Strahan, and Lara Spencer, bring a sense of fun and camaraderie to the show. They engage with their audience and each other in a way that feels genuine and relatable. In addition to its engaging hosts, Good Morning America also features a variety of segments that cater to a diverse audience. From cooking demos and fashion tips to celebrity interviews and human interest stories, the show offers something for everyone. Wh...

The liz hatton

The liz hatton is a unique piece of headwear that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This hat is characterized by its wide brim and low crown, which gives it a distinctive and fashionable look. The liz hatton is often made of materials such as wool, felt, or straw, making it a versatile accessory that can be worn in various seasons. One of the key features of the liz hatton is its versatility. This hat can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for a range of occasions. Whether you're going for a casual look or a more formal outfit, the liz hatton can easily complement your ensemble. Additionally, the wide brim of the hat provides excellent sun protection, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as picnics or garden parties. In terms of style, the liz hatton can be compared to other types of hats such as the fedora or the boater. While these hats may have similar silhouettes, the liz hatton stands out for its unique shape and design. The low crown and wide brim of ...