Bethlehem An Advent Journey

<p class=ql-align-justify>Bethlehem.</p><p class=ql-align-justify><br></p><p class=ql-align-justify>The name itself is shrouded in mystery. No one seems to be sure what it actually means. It may come from the Canaanite <em>Beit Lamhi</em> House of Lahmi referring to one of the ancient local gods of that region. It also might mean <em>Beit Lechem</em> which means House of Bread. But its rolling hills seem less suited for grain than for grazing. So its Arabic name <em>Beit Lahm</em> House of Meat might be more fitting. It also may be related to the Aramaic language that Jesus spoke <em>Beit Lamra</em> House of Lamb which makes sense if there were indeed shepherds keeping watch over their flocks there as the scripture says in Luke 2.[1] So which is it? House of Bread or House of Meat or House of Lamb? We don't really know.</p><p><br></p><p>[1] Blincoe <em>Bethlehem</em> 6-8.</p>