The stones of Bethlehem serve as a reminder of the unwavering nature of God’s commitments. Many generations have passed, yet those quarried stones remain. Despite the rise and fall of empires, the assurance of a Messiah remained steadfast, the one destined to be the eternal rock of the Lord. When Isaiah declares, “Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock,” he encourages us to place our faith in the one who is immovable, lasting, and true.

Comprehending Jesus as the “foundation stone”

It is not by chance that Jesus, who came into the world in the rocky surroundings of Bethlehem, would eventually refer to Himself as the cornerstone. “The stone that the builders dismissed has become the cornerstone” (Ps 118:22, reflected in Mt 21:42). In historical building practices, the cornerstone was the initial stone placed, establishing the orientation for the complete edifice. Absent this stone, the structure would collapse. Similarly, Christ serves as the bedrock of our belief, the individual upon whom we construct our existence.

Reflect on how the Bethlehem quarry reflects the life of Christ. From the earth’s core emerged stones to sustain human existence, just as from the womb of Mary arrived the Redeemer who supports us forever. The stone barriers of the stable quietly observed His arrival, while the rocks of Calvary testified to His offering. Ultimately, the stone was moved from the grave, proclaiming His triumph over death.

Those who are present in Bethlehem today can feel the burden of history. However, more deeply, one can perceive the weight of glory — that the everlasting Rock of Ages, our Lord, Jesus Christ, decided to step into our delicate world at this location. He arrived to change our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, to serve as the foundation of a Church that would triumph over even the forces of hell.

Similar to the artisans of the past who meticulously established their base on stable soil, we are summoned to anchor our existence deeply in Christ. And when life trembles us, when trials threaten to dislodge us, let us recall that our support is not in worldly possessions but in the One who is unmovable, everlasting and reliable.

Let us pray,

Awaken your power, O Lord, and assist us with great strength, so that our sins may not obstruct the flow of your mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and rules with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for all eternity. Amen.