Christmas Advent Devotional Day 8: "Significance in the Small"

 



“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”, one of our standard Christmas carols, has tucked within it a beautiful reference to a tiny town packed with so much impact.

Micah 5:2

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.” (NKJV)

 

Here, the prophet Micah prophesies that Messiah would come from that small, insignificant town. What is the significance of this town and why does it matter to us today?

First of all, Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” This is important because Jesus refers to Himself as the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35) Where else would the bread of life be born?

Secondly, Bethlehem was one of the key settings in the Book of Ruth, through whose lineage both King David and King Jesus would be born. (Ruth 4:13-22) This fact likely led to Christ being born in that city.


Luke 2:4

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) (KJV)

 

In addition, Bethlehem is also famous for being the birthplace of King David (I Sam 16:1). David was the greatest (human) king of Israel.  God referred to David as a man after in His own heart.  So much so that God made a covenant with David for an everlasting dynasty.  This was spoken through Nathan, the prophet:

2 Samuel 7:16

16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”  (NKJV)

 

 This would be fulfilled when Christ was born of David’s family line, when He came to establish His kingdom. Jesus was the one to come forth from Bethlehem- as decreed from old. 

Why would God choose Bethlehem?  Possibly for the reasons listed above.  But also, we must never forget that God takes the least things and the foolish things and uses them as a backdrop for His glory.  I am an example of this- and so are you!

If you are feeling insignificant and small this Christmas season, today be reminded that God is the God over the small things and the One who redeems small things for His great purpose!



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