The fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem was no accident. It was predicted many years before it came to pass.
Micah 5:2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
A pagan emperor, Caesar Augustus, — living thousands of miles away — issues a decree that all his subjects be registered and taxed.
So Mary and Joseph, living in Nazareth, return to their ancestors home at Bethlehem, some seventy miles south.
This may not mean much to you, but it does teach us that Caesar may have been ruling, but God was overruling. The Lord in His providence worked out all the details necessary so that Jesus might be born where the prophets said.
By the way, if He can do that, then surely He can take care of our little needs.
“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 wondering love — O morning stars together — Proclaim the holy birth — And praises sing to God the King — And Peace to men on earth.”
Phillips Brooks,
Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.
