When God chose a place for the anticipated Messiah, God didn’t choose a place of prestige or fame. God didn’t choose the ancient equivalent of New York, Washington D,C., or LA. God chose a place more like Selma, Parker City, or New Burlington. God chose a place others would overlook. The Messiah, the person all of Israel was anticipating, would come from Bethlehem, a place of farmers and shepherds.
(LIGHT
CANDLE)
But
you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are
only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a
ruler of Israel,
whose
origins are in the distant past,
will
come from you on my behalf.
The
people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies
until
the woman in labor gives birth.
Then
at last his fellow countrymen
will
return from exile to their own land.
And
he will stand to lead his flock with the LORD’s strength,
in
the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
Then
his people will live there undisturbed,
for
he will be highly honored around the world.
And
he will be the source of peace. Micah 5:2-5 NLT
(prayer)
Dear
Father,
So
often have we felt so small with so little to offer and our effort so feeble.
Yet, as you promised Bethlehem, you promised something great to come forth from
us when we allow you to be born into our lives. As we enter this season of
Advent, let us look forward to the truth of your love. You will do much in and
through us for this we thank you. In the name of our coming king, Jesus. Amen!
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