Beloved, as we reflect on the coming of our Lord during this Advent season, let us marvel at the profound mystery of God’s plan. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, AMP). Yet this eternal Word chose to take on flesh and dwell among us, entering into the world through the humble town of Bethlehem.
When King Herod heard of the birth of the Messiah, “he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3, AMP). The One whose coming had been foretold shook the hearts of the powerful, for “the light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it” (John 1:5, AMP). Herod sought answers from the priests and scribes, and they replied with the ancient words of prophecy:
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are not in any way least among the leaders of Judah;
For from you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel”
(Matthew 2:6, AMP, quoting Micah 5:2).
Behold the majesty of God! He did not send His Son into a palace of earthly splendor but chose Bethlehem, a town small in stature yet exalted in purpose. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27, AMP). From this humble place came the Shepherd-King, the One who would lay down His life for His sheep.
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, declared, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11, AMP). His coming fulfills the promise of God to His people: “I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out… I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day” (Ezekiel 34:11-12, AMP). He is the Shepherd who gathers us, cares for us, and leads us into green pastures of eternal life.
As we meditate on the significance of Bethlehem, let us consider its deeper meaning. Bethlehem means “house of bread,” and it is there that the Bread of Life was born. Jesus declared, “I am the Bread of Life [the Living Bread that gives and sustains life]. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35, AMP). He satisfies the deepest longings of our souls, and in Him, we find the fullness of life.
But, beloved, let us not miss the call that comes with His advent. Jesus did not come to merely exist in the margins of our lives; He came to reign as King. Herod resisted His rule, but the wise men sought Him out with gifts and worship. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, AMP). This Advent, let us be like the wise men—seeking, surrendering, and adoring the King who came to save us.
“For unto us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, AMP). His reign is everlasting, His love unending, and His mercy new every morning.
Let us rejoice, for the Shepherd born in Bethlehem leads us into His glorious light. “The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide, and to shield me]; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1, AMP). He has come, and He is coming again. Let us prepare our hearts for His return and live in the light of His grace.
Prayer
O Lord, our Good Shepherd, we praise You for humbling Yourself to be born in Bethlehem, the least among the cities of Judah. Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your thoughts higher than our thoughts. Help us to seek You with all our hearts and surrender to Your loving rule. Lead us, O Shepherd, into Your everlasting kingdom, and teach us to trust You in all things. We long for more of You and less of ourselves. Come, Lord Jesus, and reign in our hearts. Amen.