That Little Town Called Bethlehem
Bethlehem is famous for being the birthplace of Jesus. But why is this important?
First, in today’s reading, we see it as the fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy. It is the root of Jesse’s family; Jesse was David’s father and Jesus’ ancestor. The promise that the Savior would be a branch of David was therefore fulfilled.
Second, it is the place where God’s love and mercy for us became tangible. Tangible in the form of Jesus Christ. That is the location He chose to become the true man and true God, who earned our perfect righteousness.
Why then don’t we all make a pilgrimage to Bethlehem? Because that location has been surpassed! We have been promised that God’s love and Christ’s presence are now with us at all times.
Christ Jesus is Emmanuel — “God with us” — anywhere and everywhere.
Here is today’s full sermon text from Micah 5:
2 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 of old,
from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.
5 And he shall be their peace.
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Announcements
Christmas Services: We will host Christmas Eve Vespers in-person at 7 pm. Christmas Day will also be in-person at 10 am. No Midweek Advent service this week.
Bible Study: You are invited to join us! We have two classes every week. The first one meets Sunday mornings at 9:45 am in person and is covering The Power & Primacy of the Pope.
The second one meets on Wednesday nights at 7 pm via Zoom and is covering the Book of Revelation. It is on hiatus until January.
Donations: Although we are slowly emerging from the pandemic, the expenses remain constant. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist) and we will include them during the Litany. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.