Interesting that Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem. We know that this city is important for several reasons. Jacob buried Rachel in Bethlehem. Ruth and Boaz lived in Bethlehem. David was born in Bethlehem. And we know that Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of Micah 5:1.

In Hebrew, the city’s name means “house of bread.” Bethlehem, the “house of bread” reminds us that Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:48).

There’s also another interesting fact about Bethlehem. The numerical value of the word “house of bread” is 490. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter came to Jesus and asked, “How many times do I have to forgive someone who has wronged me? Up to seven times?” Jesus responded with, “No, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!” Of all the numbers Jesus could have picked, why seventy times seven? Why 490? Because forgiveness and bread are connected.

Jesus connects forgiveness and bread in the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13), when He said, “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matt. 6:11-12). And then forgiveness and bread are even in our remembrance of the death of Jesus. When we observe communion, we follow the words of Jesus, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in memory of Me.” The bread used at the Last Supper symbolized His broken body. It reminds us of the forgiveness that He purchased for us.

There are some other connections between bread and forgiveness, especially if we dig further into the significance of that number 490. The word “nativity” also has the Hebrew numeric value of 490. This numeric insight makes perfect sense, since Jesus was born in a manger in the city of Bethlehem so that we might be forgiven.

And here’s something more. The number 490 is also the numeric value of the biblical Hebrew word “tamim” which means “complete” “perfect” or “finished.” A person who can’t forgive will always live an imperfect and incomplete life! It's a life that lacks a proper understanding of the finished gracious work of the cross.

As we thank God for Bethlehem, the house of bread, where His Son, the Bread of Life was born, I pray that we all experience the sacredness of this season. May we know deep in our hearts that we who have been forgiven much are to love much!

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Dave