19 December 2021
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
From Micah 5:1-4, NRSV
Micah’s prophecy probably seemed improbable to those who first heard it. It would not seem likely that a great ruler, foretold from ancient days, would come from a small and unimportant town which was home to the one of the smallest tribes of Judah. At that time, Judah itself was an unimportant country. And yet, God chose Bethlehem as the place where David was anointed king and of course the place of Jesus’ birth. As Jesus showed throughout his ministry, it was the humble and most downtrodden of people for whom God has a special care.
- Why do you think Bethlehem was chosen as the place of Christ’s birth?
- What place does humility have in the lives of Christians?
Pray today for the outcast and downtrodden and especially for refugees who seek a place to call home.
