Not Random At All

 

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 old,

        from ancient days.

               Micah 5. 2

So small and insignificant,

it had to be designated 

exactly where this Bethlehem

             was located,

which was where David was born.

Micah wrote these words

in the 8th century before Christ,

recognized even then

           by Jewish scholars 

as the birthplace of the Messiah. 

Even the Wise Men from the East

 knew of it (Matthew 2. 4-6).

No random place at all.

All of scripture pointed to Him.

God chooses the 

   most unlikely places

   and unexpected people

to bring about 

    His divine appointments

and unfold His sacred purposes.

            Even us.

O LORD,

Thank You that all through the Bible

You wove the scarlet thread

of Your love and forgiveness.

Make us aware this Christmas

that in Your steadfast love

that You sent Your Son 

        for each one of us.

Help us to not be distracted

  by all the season's trappings,

but boldly witness

      that You came among us

      and dwell within us.

May Your great light

    dispel the darkness

and fill us with 

   the hope of Jesus.

You see us.

You love us.

You came.