The prophets foretell the role that the town of Bethlehem will have in the birth of Jesus. Not exactly the who, what, when, or how… but someone great is coming to rule in Israel and Bethlehem is going to be the place where it happens!

So many of the prophecies in the Old Testament play out in the New Testament. This one does in the birth of Jesus and interestingly enough in Matthew 2:3-6, where King Herod is deeply troubled by the news that he learns from the Wise Men looking for the child who is the “King of the Jews.” Herod devises schemes against the baby Jesus after his chief priests and scribes refer him to this prophecy passage in Micah.

Do the prophets of old tell us such specific information that we can use today? It is a lot easier to see what the prophets were talking about after the prophecy comes true… like in King Herod’s case. But what about beforehand? I suppose that is what the promise of Advent is all about. We know now, beforehand, that Jesus is coming at Christmas. We hope, wait, anticipate, and prepare for his birth… every year.

And it’s in that hoping, waiting, anticipating, and preparation that we find Emanuel… God with us. The prophets were right. He comes to us in the town of Bethlehem as a shepherd, great to the ends of the earth, and the one of peace.

Gracious God, open our eyes and hearts and let the words of the ancient prophets ring true as we prepare for the birth of the Baby Jesus. God of love, help us to recognize that you are our Shepherd, we are your flock, and that the peace that you bring is for all. Amen.

Written By: Dave Craven
December 21, 2023