Bethlehem’s Gifts

“Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops;
    siege is laid against us;
with a rod they strike the judge of Israel
    on the cheek.
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.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
    to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
    to the ends of the earth.
And he shall be their peace.” Micah 5:1-5

In a small book of prophecy, from a small town in Israel, to a big weary world of troubled sheep, was promised a Shepherd who would be their peace. Their existence was wrought with injustice, conflict, and uncertain leadership. But the Ruler would come! Under His care His people would regather, know HIs strength, and rest secure. Inconsequential Bethlehem would birth great consequence for God’s universe.

“O little town of Bethlehem, 
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep 
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth 
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years 
are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary; 
and, gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep 
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to men on earth.

What gifts Bethlehem brings to us! This Christ child from ancient days, born and died and raised and ascended as Ruler of all, is our Shepherd today! In Him we gather secure, in Him we find abiding peace. Under His strength we rest, and in His majesty we rejoice. Have we partaken? What is keeping us from dwelling secure? What doubts, shame, pride keep us at bay? What insecurities, stubbornness, selfishness cause resistance to His benevolent rule? Will we receive Him and all He offers today, without hesitation or holding back?

How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him still,
the dear Christ enters in.

How will we develop this shepherd’s heart for the lost sheep in our midst? The Lord Jesus in us should be making a difference in our measure of the Spirit’s fruit and grace. With whom are we exhibiting them in evident ways? If not, what will we do about it? (Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:2-7; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Lord, help me bear Your generous gifts to others!

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels,
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!” ~Phillips Brooks (1868)

Amen.