Why Bethlehem?

Micah 5:2

“But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Bethlehem is important because it fulfills the promise that God made to David through the prophet Nathan, “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me, your throne will be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:16. It is also the city that Ruth, the great grandmother of David and Naomi returned to and it is believed to be just south of the burial place of Rachel.

As we journey through this Advent season, my wonder about God’s plan grows. God provides all kinds of information to us through the prophets and the gospels, but the details are left out. We want to understand why God’s timing wasn’t a little more kind to Mary. Why didn’t he pick someone who already lived in Bethlehem to be the mother of Jesus? We want to understand the why so that we can maybe make a little more sense as to the why in our lives. Why do I have to wait? Why does my loved one have cancer? Why isn’t life easier for those who love you?

The why in our life becomes the yeast for our faith. When we finally surrender to God’s plan without the need for details, faith grows. It is a matter of trusting him and his plan for our lives. We need to remember that in God’s way of doing things the small becomes great, the last shall be first, the weak become strong and the lowly are exalted.

How silently, how silently, the wonderous gift is given,

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” Amen