DECEMBER 8 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BETHLEHEM By Chris Katulka Assistant Director of North American Ministries, Radio Host, Writer, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry
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)
The Christmas carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem , illustrates the long-awaited arrival of God’s “everlasting light” into humanity’s humble conditions. But in my opinion, Bethlehem gets a bad rap. It’s painted as an insignificant pitstop on the way to Jerusalem as if the motto on Bethlehem’s welcome sign was, “Nothing To See Here!” The surroundings of the King of Kings at His arrival were unpresuming, but Bethlehem shouldn’t be blamed. If Jesus’ birth certificate reads “Bethlehem’’ as the place of birth, it shouldn’t demean Him; rather it should define Him in epic and majestic ways! Jesus our King King David was the most consequential king in Old Testament history. He was a man after God’s own heart. David had humble beginnings himself; he was a shepherd boy from Bethlehem. God promised David a Son who would, “establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). This is a prophecy of Jesus’ reign (Matthew 1:1). Christ’s birth in the “city of David”—Bethlehem—crowns Him the Descendant of Israel’s most memorialized king, King David (Romans 1:1-4). Jesus our Lamb Micah writes that Israel’s Ruler would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), specifically the “tower of the flock” (Micah 4:8). According to rabbinical texts, Bethlehem’s “tower of the flock” is an exclusive pasture where select shepherds tended to special flocks destined for Temple sacrifice.
When Jesus was born, He was surrounded by flocks selected to be offered for Israel’s sins. This is a setting that sets the mission of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Jesus our God Bethlehem reveals Emmanuel, God with us. Micah prophesied the One born in Bethlehem, “His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2). Micah saw that the One who would be born in Bethlehem was more than a newborn King, but One whose existence is eternal; a glimpse into the incarnation (John 1:1).
So next time you hear about the little town of Bethlehem, remember it may be small, but it screams Jesus our King, Jesus our Lamb, Jesus our God! Merry Christmas!
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