The Promise, Pt. 2

Everyone loves the story of the small town hero. Consider the likes of American frontiersman Daniel Boone, NBA Hall of Fame-er Scottie Pippen, or country music icon Dolly Parton. All three grew up in small, unassuming towns, yet grew up to make national, even global, impact.

The Bible is filled with many such stories, not the least of which are the two most prominent figures in all of Scripture, both of whom were actually born in the same town, separated by just over 1,000 years. What is this town, you may ask? Well, it's none other than the little town of Bethlehem. What is now under Palestinian authority and forbidden for Jews to enter was the birthplace of the two most important Jews of all time - King David, and Jesus of Nazareth.

This is where the Christmas story begins, in a town prophesied about in Micah 5:2, "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." And in Matthew 2, when the wise men came to King Herod, looking to worship the newly born King of the Jews, the chief priests and scribes quoted Micah 5:2 to direct the wise men to Bethlehem.

And it was in this small, insignificant shepherd's town where the most cherished OT King of Israel was born, as well as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah who came forth "from ancient days." The eternal Son of God chose to become incarnate in the same town of the king that he came to ultimately succeed and who's throne he would fulfill. So Bethlehem would become the birthplace of both the King of Israel, as well as the King of the Universe.

A few more significant details to consider regarding Bethlehem. For one, the name "Bethlehem" literally means "house of bread" and "Ephrathah", the area in which Bethlehem is located, means "fruitful". How fitting that Jesus is the "bread of life" (John 6:35) who provides true spiritual nourishment, and who's eternally fruitful ministry stands in the strength of the Lord to shepherd his flock (Micah 5:4) and to be their peace (Micah 5:5).

Christmas is a reminder that great and mighty things can often come from humble beginnings. Christmas reminds us that God's promises of old are always faithful to come to pass. And Christmas reminds us that our King has come, that he alone provides true spiritual bread, that he is our Good Shepherd who cares for us, feeds us, and protects us, and that he truly is our peace.