“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.” – Micah 5:2
The nostalgic Christmas carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, brings to mind a quaint nativity scene in a small village. Although Bethlehem is quite different now, it played an important role in the birth of Jesus. Today, one must travel through military checkpoints to get there; estimates are that only 12% of the population claim to be Christians. This is not a place where Jesus is recognized as the Son of God except for among the faithful believers who are persevering.
However, God in His purposes is always surprising us. He uses the least places in the eyes of the world to make them very important in the eyes of eternity. Bethlehem means ¨house of bread.¨ Jesus said He was the bread of life. He satisfies the hunger and thirst of our soul. ¨In the small places of your life… you may discover that the Holy Spirit is right there at work in the small places to manifest the greatness of His love, His glory and His purposes for your life. On this second Sunday of Advent, make your journey to Bethlehem and eat from the bread of life.¨
