In 1868, Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal priest, wrote the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” after an inspiring visit to Bethlehem during Christmas of 1865. Brooks felt greatly drawn to the mystery of divine revelation which unfolded in this little village. Micah’s prophecy announced in advance that this little place would welcome a great king. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.” (Micah 5:2 NLT)
What makes Bethlehem special and significant in God’s economy? To this little village, a Moabite widow named Ruth came seeking a new home and family. She was a foreigner, poor and marginalized. But in Bethlehem, she found love and a sense of belonging. To this little village, the prophet Samuel came searching for the new king of Israel. God chose a shepherd named David, the youngest son of Jesse. To this little village, Joseph and Mary came seeking a place to stay. There was no room in the inn, so Mary brought forth her first-born son in a manger. This son was the promised ruler of Israel, the Messiah King.
Bethlehem was considered an insignificant little village, overlooked and undervalued. Yet in God’s economy, He chooses the “lowly and despised” (1 Corinthians 1:28). God reveals the mystery of His love by coming into our world in human form. The incarnate Son of God confounds the powerful and the wise of this world. Bethlehem, Ruth, David, Mary are no longer ordinary. They were all endowed with purpose and splendor because God chose them. They became exceptional and extraordinary because God desired to bless them.
Perhaps you feel like a Bethlehem—small, insignificant, overlooked, ordinary. But in God’s sovereign plan, He has a special purpose for you. God can accomplish great things through you even as He used humble Bethlehem to host the glorious birth of Jesus Christ.
