November 28 Advent thoughts

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 old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2

The estimation of population in Bethlehem when Christ was born was about 300. Certainly because of the census it had ballooned in size-maybe to as many as 1200-1500 people! But still, a small town-village, actually. So why was this particular village chosen? The obvious answer was that we know that Joseph was a descendant of David, and the census required everyone to return to their ancestral home. But more importantly, the prophesy makes the case that ‘Bethlehem Ephrathath’ was the smallest part of Judah. And from this, the King of Kings would be born. Whether or not you are ready to accept Christ as the Messiah, no-one can deny that this itself shows the humbleness of Him. The creator of all things, who left what must be indescribable beauty, since He creates what He will, to lower Himself to be born in squalor. Just a few miles away sat the Temple-considered to be one of the greatest buildings of the time and dedicated to Him, instead, He chose to be born into poverty. A dirty, small village on the side of a hill. in quiet humbleness. This is worth our quiet contemplation.

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.

-O Little town of Bethlehem, written by Phillip Brooks