The Messiah, born in BethlehemYou, 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. Micah 5:2It is an honor to serve as the pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Often I tell people that I serve as a shepherd in the Hills of Bethlehem.In 1868 Phillips Brooks wrote "O Little Town of Bethlehem" for a Sunday School Christmas festival. Three years before, he had stood on the Judean hills and viewed the Bethlehem below. His impressions stayed with him and were expressed in the hymn.Brooks called Bethlehem "little," which is also how the prophet Micah described it — "Small among the clans of Judah." Although small, Bethlehem would not only yield David as king of all Israel but, above all, the Messiah.Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is truly the Messiah of whom Micah prophesied. All statements of fact converge on Him. A shepherd? Indeed, for Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:11). His birthplace? When the Wise Men inquired where the Messiah was to be born, the biblical scholars answered, "In Bethlehem of Judea" (Matthew 2:5), citing Micah’s prophecy to support their statement. Led by a star, the Magi went to Bethlehem where they found Jesus. Peace with God through Him? Micah said, "He will be their peace" (Micah 5:5), and Isaiah called Him the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Paul wrote: "He came and preached peace to you" (Ephesians 2: 17). The peace He proclaimed was our reconciliation with God which He effected, as the apostle stated, "through the cross" Ephesians 2:16).The name Bethlehem means "house of bread." It is the birthplace of Jesus, who is Himself the Bread of Life. All who in faith receive Him as their Savior are nourished with spiritual food to sustain them.
