Born in Bethlehem

Scripture: Micah 5:1-5

The coming of the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior of the Jewish people…

The prophets of the Old Testament often described the coming of the Messiah as the One who would save his people or a new King David. In Micah 5, we learn that the new David will come not from power, wealth, and strength, but from a small town, Bethlehem, of a little clan, Judah, and from a poor peasant girl. But this One will have the strength of the Lord, and the name of the Lord God, and shall be great to the ends of the earth and be the One of peace. I’m not sure that the people of Israel really recognized this as a foretelling of the coming of the little baby in Bethlehem who would ultimately save the world, but we, of the twenty-first century, can see this as a direct foretelling of the coming of the Christ. A prophecy fulfilled.

Prayer:

Dear Father God,

As we await the coming of your Son, our greatest gift, keep our minds and hearts attuned to the reason for the season. Help us to follow in the wise men’s footsteps of giving gifts to those in need, and to be like the shepherds kneeling at the manger in adoration, and like the angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest!”

In Jesus’ name…Amen.

About the Contributor:

Martha Bean, wife to Budge and mother of four and grandmother of two. Martha is an Elder at First Presbyterian Church serving on the Local Missions, Music, and Worship Committees.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13