The Daily Devotional
Monday, December 25, 2023
From Little Bethlehem:
Monday, December 25, 2023
From Little Bethlehem:
The Dawn of Eternal Hope
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Micah 5:2 (NIV)
Reflection
In November 1962, physicist John W. Mauchly made a significant statement, saying, “There is no reason to suppose the average boy or girl cannot be master of a personal computer.” This seemed far-fetched then but has since become a reality, with children today learning to use computers and handheld devices at an early age.
Similarly, the Bible's predictions about Christ's coming, such as the prophecy in Micah 5:2 foretelling the birth of a ruler from the seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem, have been realized. This prophecy, fulfilled by Jesus's birth in that very town as recounted in Luke 2:4–7, confirms His lineage from David and underscores the unexpected ways God works. Bethlehem's selection as the birthplace of the Messiah, who would lead and shepherd His people, illustrates the profound manner in which God honors the humble and lowly, revealing His love through the ruler born in a small town.
Contemplation
Contemplate the modest beginnings of Jesus in Bethlehem, a stark contrast to the grandiose expectations of power and leadership typically envisioned by the world. Consider how God's plan for salvation, emerging from these humble roots, brought hope and transformation from the least expected places, mirroring the potential in your life for unexpected blessings and shifts. Just as the Bible precisely foretold Jesus's initial coming, it equally guarantees His second advent, a commitment Jesus Himself confirmed to His disciples, instilling a deep-seated hope and anticipation for what lies ahead. As Christmas nears, pondering these prophecies not only about Jesus's nativity but also His promised return inspires a readiness within us for the magnificent day when we shall meet Him face to face.
Personal Application
Identify areas in your life where you can embrace humility and trust in God's grand plan. Seek to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, and remember that God often works in ways we least expect.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the reminder that Your ways are higher than our ways. Help us to trust in Your plan, especially when it seems humble or insignificant to the world. May we always look to Bethlehem's miracle as a source of hope and assurance. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM
The Bible texts are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional crafted by Kenny Sallee, ThM…
In November 1962, physicist John W. Mauchly made a significant statement, saying, “There is no reason to suppose the average boy or girl cannot be master of a personal computer.” This seemed far-fetched then but has since become a reality, with children today learning to use computers and handheld devices at an early age.
Similarly, the Bible's predictions about Christ's coming, such as the prophecy in Micah 5:2 foretelling the birth of a ruler from the seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem, have been realized. This prophecy, fulfilled by Jesus's birth in that very town as recounted in Luke 2:4–7, confirms His lineage from David and underscores the unexpected ways God works. Bethlehem's selection as the birthplace of the Messiah, who would lead and shepherd His people, illustrates the profound manner in which God honors the humble and lowly, revealing His love through the ruler born in a small town.
Contemplation
Contemplate the modest beginnings of Jesus in Bethlehem, a stark contrast to the grandiose expectations of power and leadership typically envisioned by the world. Consider how God's plan for salvation, emerging from these humble roots, brought hope and transformation from the least expected places, mirroring the potential in your life for unexpected blessings and shifts. Just as the Bible precisely foretold Jesus's initial coming, it equally guarantees His second advent, a commitment Jesus Himself confirmed to His disciples, instilling a deep-seated hope and anticipation for what lies ahead. As Christmas nears, pondering these prophecies not only about Jesus's nativity but also His promised return inspires a readiness within us for the magnificent day when we shall meet Him face to face.
Personal Application
Identify areas in your life where you can embrace humility and trust in God's grand plan. Seek to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, and remember that God often works in ways we least expect.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the reminder that Your ways are higher than our ways. Help us to trust in Your plan, especially when it seems humble or insignificant to the world. May we always look to Bethlehem's miracle as a source of hope and assurance. In Jesus' name, Amen.
----------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM
The Bible texts are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional crafted by Kenny Sallee, ThM…
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