December 14, 2023: Bread of Promise
- Liana V.
- Dec 14, 2023
- 5 min read
Bread of Promise
“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.”
Luke 2:1-5 NKJV
Bethlehem means House of Bread. The Bread of Life was born in the House of Bread.
I know we know the rest of the story. We even know why they had to go to Bethlehem. But don’t you think sometimes our knowing might remove some of the emotion or anticipation? We miss some of it because we’re so far removed from the feeling?
The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.
Psalm 24:1
I can’t help but think of some amazing books I’ve read. Ones where I can’t bring myself to put it down and keep reading. You know the kind. Maybe for you it was that last binge watch. That plot that keeps you hooked long after you should be sleeping.
It’s the emotion and anticipation that keeps us connected. What if we had that again while reading Jesus’ birth story? Perhaps, if we could feel the same worry, fear, frustration, or fatigue that Mary at 9 months pregnant felt. There is whirl wind of hormonal emotions occurring in her I’m sure. Should she cry, scream, laugh, or lie down?
One God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:6
Do you remeber the first time you heard or read the stories within the pages of our Holy Bible? If you were a child it's likely you sat crisscrossed legs on the floor of a Sunday school classroom hanging on the words of every word your teacher spoke. Wonder. Awe. Filling your blooming child imagination of how great our God is!
Bible scholars hypothesize that the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem took roughly 4 days to travel 90 miles if they walked 8hrs a day. It may have been more likely, given Mary’s condition, that their travel would have been much slower, taking close to 10 days.
If the family traveled during the Sept-December months they could have experienced harsh temperatures with highs ranging from 97 to 78 degrees with lows varying from 65 to 48 degrees. This time period is also considered their wet season.
I can imagine Joseph as cool, calm, and collected but under his cool facade I know parts of him must’ve been terrified. His protective and caring instinct on high alarm. Having what I like to call an internal freak out.
There’s also absolutely no plans. Nothing has been arranged, no hotel secured, no spa or breakfast in bed set up, no mani pedi for her tired achy body. Each night finding a place to sleep near the roadway. They have the clothing on their bodies (perhaps wet from the elements), likely another tunic packed, and other items for warmth at night, food provisions, and water. There is no heater to warm them, no washer or dryer for their clothing, or restraunt to get a warm meal.
The valley of the Jordan river where Mary & Joseph traveled is believed to be habitat to lions, bears and wild boar also. The hazards they endured were many. Crime didn’t cease to exist at this time either, protection would've been needed not just from wild animals- but from desert robbers and bandits as well.
We know Mary and Joseph were poor. They did not have stature, title, or wealth. Yet, this humble couple was chosen to be the earthly parents to God made flesh, God who’s body would be broken (bread) for all mankind for eternity. God of the entire universe - breathter (bread) of life- that God. God didn’t choose a family who had connection. He didn’t even choose to be born in a room. And yet God has every connection and every resource available to Him. Yet, the lavish, the costly, and extravagant aren't necessarily God's pick.
Wherever you find yourself today, know that harsh circumstances and hard times do not represent the lack of God’s resource or His providence. After all, look at the circumstance in which Jesus was born. The trials Mary & Joseph endured for an entire week before His birth. The provision and promise of God are in the 'bread'-the body of Jesus-the word of God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the bread, the sustenance of Your word and call on my life. You provide all that I need. "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4)." Your word provides the seed to establish promise. Let my faith meet You at your word and let my feet be quick to obey your call. In Jesus's name, Amen!
Homemade Gifts for Neighbors
I wanted to do something a little different this year. I often get tons of baked good around Christmas and many go to waste if I'm unable to freeze them, because well who could eat it all? But perhaps just like you, I love to give away a little something showing others I thought of them. An easy make ahead and freeze or giveawy and they can freeze bread should be just right.
I made mini loaves as you can see. I reduced cooking time in this recipe to 25 minutes, adjust until toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!
Sugar Plum Bread: Taste of Home
Ingredients
1 cup pitted dried plums (prunes), coarsely chopped
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup sugar, divided
2 tablespoons shortening
1 large egg, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons coarse sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dried plums, water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 1 minute. Remove from heat; let stand until plumped, about 10 minutes. Drain plums, reserving fruit and liquid. Measure liquid, adding enough water to yield 1/2 cup.
Cream shortening and remaining sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with reserved cooking liquid; fold in cooled dried plums (batter will be thick).
Transfer batter to a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs, 40-45 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beautifully said. He is the Bread of Life, our sustenance.