Bethlehem has long been a place torn by conflict and continued change of hands in government. Yet it is the place God chose for His Son to be born (read more at https://israelmyglory.org/article/o-jewish-town-of-bethlehem/). But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting (Micah 5:2)
Christ was born in this small, unassuming town – a King with no fanfare, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the census, the overcrowded city with no room in the inn, and a ruler (Herod) who wanted nothing to do with Jesus (or anyone whom he considered a threat to his throne). This is where Jesus was born.
It seems a similar place today: the hustle and bustle of our own agendas, surrounded by conflict and hearts with no room for God’s truth, and the challenges of everyday life. Yet still there is hope because Jesus is alive. Emmanuel, God with us. How fitting that God would paint His picture of hope some two thousand years ago by bringing His Son into the world in such a way, to “little Bethlehem.”
While Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth, it is often made out to be a magical time. But it does not carry such a warm and fuzzy feeling for everyone. For some, it is one of the hardest times of the year. Yet still there is hope. For when we get down to the true meaning of Christmas, it is the hope of Jesus that we celebrate. And just as God brought His Son into the world in a little town with no room and probably no warm fuzzy feeling, He brings hope into the midst of our trials and conflict – thought we are little among the thousands.
This is what we celebrate – Who we celebrate at Christmas. Emmanuel. For still He is hope.