-December 4, 2025-
Good morning beloved, happy Thursday,
“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 of old, from everlasting.”
(Micah 5:2).
Micah was one of the minor prophets, not minor in importance but minor in having just a few chapters. Today’s verse certainly isn’t minor the message it conveys of our Savior’s birthplace.
There are actually two towns called Bethlehem in the land of Israel: Bethlehem in the northern part of Israel in Galilee, and Bethlehem in the southern part of Israel in Judah, the birthplace of Jesus.
Bethlehem in Judah is most notable in the OT as the birthplace of Israel’s greatest king, David. Now this little town is one of the most beloved and famous cities in the world. Thousands of people flock there every year to see where Jesus was born.
I live in Danville, California, in the valley east of San Francisco. Danville is a town not a city. The founders and the leaders today are very particular about this distinction. A town is defined as “an urban area that has a name, defined boundaries, a local government, and that is generally larger than a village and smaller than a city.”
Bethlehem is not far from Jerusalem, about 5-6 miles apart, but greatly different in size and population. God chose this little town and a manger in that town to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ our Lord, the Son of God. Our Savior was born in very humble surroundings among the animals to make His entrance into the world.
Often the world attributes size, monetary resources, and power over the more important significant matter of its spiritual vibrancy. One of the best loved Christmas hymns is, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” It was written by Phillips Brooks. The first verse says, “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.”
No matter who you are or where you are born isn’t important to the Lord. His love in the message of the gospel goes out to all the world; to every man, woman, and child.
Have a blessed day wherever you are, seeking and praising Jesus. Stay safe and healthy.
It isn’t important where you were born on this earth, but that you were born from above and destined for heaven.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 