Bethlehem and Bedlam

Bedlam (bed’lam) N. 1.  Any place or situation of noisy uproar and confusion.  2.  A lunatic asylum; madhouse.  (Middle English).  Bedlam, Bethlehem, Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem, in Southwestern London, which was an asylum at one time.

                                                                                    American Heritage Dictionary

BETHLEHEM AND BEDLAM

Isn’t it ironical that the word which describes a place of noise and confusion – bedlam – is a corruption of the name of that town from which came the source of “peace on earth and good will toward men.”

Many years ago in England there was a hospital called St. Mary of Bethlehem, a hospital for the mentally ill.  In those days the treatment and conditions of such places was horrible.  They were indeed places of hopeless confusion and despairing noise.  And so anything which vaguely reminded anyone of that place was referred to as “Like Bethlehem” and eventually for ease of expression it became “Bedlam.”

But you know such hospitals aren’t Bedlam anymore.  Science has quieted them with its miracles and brought hope to the hopeless.  Finally, Christ has come into these Bedlams.  For it is the spirit of Christianity, not a relentless marching of science, and the spirit of Christ-like concern for suffering people that has propelled man to do something for his despairing brother.

In those places of the world where Christ has not yet penetrated the hearts of men, Bedlam still exists.  In those places in this country where Christ is no longer known, Bedlam is returning.  So, too, it is in the hearts of people everywhere, in your heart and mine, when the Christ of Bethlehem is born within us and “grows in wisdom and stature” Bedlam goes and peace enters.