December 25 - Bethlehem

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Can it be said of the human condition that too often, we set our expectations and hopes a bit too low, as in expectations of others, of a situation, even of ourselves? This is reflected in Scripture, as in John 1:46, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Yet earlier the prophet Micah (5:2 & 5) had stated, “But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah…from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel…and he shall be one of peace.” Held high among God’s people was this hope in and for a long-awaited Messiah, but certainly not from Bethlehem. From a least-expected place, a place that didn’t have a five-star rating, God chose that little town of Bethlehem to become the birthplace of the Messiah, our Savior. Think of it as God’s timing and choice!

This Season of Advent, one of spiritual preparation for the birth of the Savior, is a perfect time to ask ourselves, “Where is God attempting to break into my very common life.” What value does God see in me and how is God trying to lead me in new directions? Does God see in me abilities, talents and gifts that I have not previously acknowledged? Can we catch a vision of our bringing to this desperate world nothing less than the very peace, love, hope and reconciliation found in Jesus Christ? O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.”

The Rt. Rev. Paul A. Graf
Bishop of the World-Wide Moravian Church



Location: Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA

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