O Little Town of Bethlehem
December 23, 2023 — Laura House
Bethlehem. From the time I was a very young girl, I knew all about the story of Jesus' birth in the little town of Bethlehem. Growing up, my three siblings and I presented a Christmas pageant for our parents each year, a tradition that continued with my own children and incorporated any cousins that were visiting as well.
A few days ago, while listening to a message from Dr. David Jeremiah, I gleaned a new perspective about this tiny town. I encourage you to listen to the series of Christmas messages here.
Of all the places for God to show up, he picked the small country of Palestine, then the small province of Judah, and then the obscure little burg of Bethlehem to begin His plan of redemption. Why Bethlehem? It wasn’t a random choice, but obviously quite calculated.
Did you know that this tiny town of around one thousand residents is mentioned in the Old Testament forty-one times over a period of 1300 years? The first time is at Rachel’s death after giving birth to Benjamin in 1700 BC. As the story of Ruth and Naomi’s redemption unfolds in the Book of Ruth, Bethlehem is mentioned six times. You are likely familiar with the prophet Jeremiah’s prophecy about the slaughter of children by Herod that took place in Bethlehem because he was trying to eliminate the “newborn king”. Also in Bethlehem, according to God’s plan, Samuel anointed David to be king.
One of the most vivid prophecies about Bethlehem comes from the prophet Micah and was spoken more than six hundred years before Jesus was born. Out of the whole known world, Micah prophesied about the tiny, remote village where the Messiah would be born.
“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.” - Micah 5:2
You might be wondering why all of this is impacting me so much this season. I’ll tell you. I’m amazed, once again, at seeing God’s plan that was so perfectly woven throughout the history of the earth. The obscure little village of Bethlehem was prophesied about for hundreds of years, pointing to what would happen, when the time was right. Not a random choice, but planned by Almighty God.
In the same way, my life and your life are also not random. You don’t just “happen” to be living at this moment in time. It’s not a random thing that God chose me to be Nathan’s mom. We aren’t living a random, chance-driven life. We were created with a purpose by God, who loves us more than we can fathom.
What does this mean to those of us who are grieving this Christmas season? To me, it’s a reminder that all of God’s promises come true. The promise of a Savior born in Bethlehem is certainly the most important one for us to know, but if you belong to Jesus, then there are so many more.
He promises to carry you through the tempest of grief.
He promises to never leave you.
He promises to save you.
He promises to comfort you.
He promises to hear you when you talk to Him.
He promises to strengthen you, help you, and uphold you.
He promises to heal your broken heart.
He promises to one day wipe away all of your tears and bring you home.
This Christmas, as you consider Bethlehem and the greatest gift that has ever been given, may you also be reminded that God’s promises are always true.
You can fully trust the One who loves you most.
”Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27
