What If Bethlehem Had Smartphones?
Matthew and Luke are the only Gospel writers who wrote about Jesus’ birth, and we aren’t sure who provided them with firsthand reports. Jesus’ mother was among the earliest Christian disciples, so we assume she shared her story with them. All details were passed down orally, without the aid of technology. There were no radios, televisions, tape recorders, iPads, walkie-talkies, cameras, cellphones or fax machines in first century Israel. The only form of “instant messaging” required a guy to run from one king to another over a period of days.
I wonder: What if the key players in the Christmas story had access to wireless devices? Pardon my literary license as I imagine the script:
Facebook update, 01/15/02 B.C., posted 4 hours ago
Elizabeth > Mary
So glad you can visit us! Zacharias is still not talking (so weird!), but his eyes brightened when I told him you were on your way. We are still in awe of God’s goodness to us. I feel so old to be a mom. 
Zach says he knows the baby is a boy. We plan to name him John even though our relatives disapprove!
Text sent 01/21/02 B.C., 5:28 p.m.
Mary > Joseph
Arrived safely at Elizabeth’s. She is such a blessing. Still can’t believe what is happening. It’s like a dream. Luv you!
Text sent 03/21/02 B.C., 9:02 a.m.
Zacharias > Uncle Levi
The baby’s name is John! No more discussion!
Tweet sent 11/30/01 B.C., 2:49 p.m.
nazareth_carpenter Joseph, Son of Jacob
Just got bad news. Must go to Bethlehem 4 census. My wife is not in any shape to travel. Why did Caesar have to pick THIS TIME 2 tax us all?
Facebook update, 12/20/01 B.C., posted 30 minutes ago
Mary > Elizabeth
Looks like it will be a three-day trip to Bethlehem. The roads are bumpy and my back is so sore. I’m glad you had your baby before me—you give me courage! And you are NOT old! So glad to hear Zach got his voice back. Pray for us!
Text sent 12/22/01 B.C., 7:36 p.m.
Joseph > Uncle Melchi
Just arrived in Bethehem. This town is crazy. Can you put us up in your place? Sorry for the inconvenience. We’ll stay anywhere—inside or outside.
Text sent 12/22/01 B.C., 7:41 p.m.
Uncle Melchi > Joseph
Just come on. We’ve got room. I will move the animals inside if it gets cold.
Tweet sent 12/25/01 B.C., 3:04 a.m.
nazareth_carpenter Joseph, Son of Jacob
It’s a boy! And he doesn’t look anything like me! (I wonder why? LOL)
Tweet sent 12/25/01 B.C., 3:32 a.m.
JustAShepherd Simeon, Son of Gershom
Whoa! A bunch of angels just showed up here on the hillside! Shimon took photos but he was so scared! Will try to post later. Gotta run!
Facebook update, 12/27/01 B.C., posted 2 hours ago
Mary > Elizabeth
So much to tell you. Jesus is fine, Joseph is exhausted and now I am the one who feels old! You won’t believe what we had to use for a crib. Oh, and we had some really interesting visitors the morning after the baby was born. Shepherds! As if we needed more sheep around here!
Tweet sent 12/28/01 B.C., posted 30 minutes ago
JustAShepherd Simeon, Son of Gershom
The photos Shimon took of the angels didn’t turn out. Too blurry. I wonder if anyone will believe our story now.
Sheep_Keeper, FlockMaster and 45 others retweeted JustAShepherd
2 hours ago
Tweet sent 12/30/01 B.C., posted 1 hour ago
Flockmaster Shimon, Son of Hezron
Photos or no photos, it’s true! A king was born here last week! Angels don’t just show up here everyday. #whathappenedinbethlehem
Facebook update, 12/31/01 B.C., posted 3 hours ago
Caleb, Son of Geshan > Simeon, Son of Gershom
Bro, I haven’t had much sleep since that night. What does all this mean? Why did that angel come to us? It’s not like we’re anybody special.
Facebook reply, 12/31/01 B.C., posted 2 hours ago
Simeon, Son of Gershom > Caleb, Son of Geshan
I know! I can’t stop talking about it and my wife thinks I’m crazy. I can’t get those haunting words out of my head: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased!” One day I’m going to write a song about what we saw.
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Of course there was no access to Facebook, Twitter or iPhones when Jesus was born. Yet the story of his birth immediately went viral, and the message the angels told the shepherds is still spreading globally. I encourage you to use every form of technology available to let others know that the baby born in Bethlehem is the Savior of the world.
J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. His most recent book is 10 Lies Men Believe (Charisma House).
