Down to Earth: A Christmas Devotional JourneySample

Day 22: A Down-To-Earth Town

Reflection

As we count down the final days of Advent, we’re going to spend four days reflecting on the unchanging Christmas: the fact that the Mission and Promise Jesus brought to Earth 2,000 years ago are every bit as true in our everyday lives today as they were back then.

As we saw back on Day Two of this journey, the fact that Bethlehem was the place where Jesus came to Earth is both expected and astonishing.

Our reading today points to a 700-year-old Promise, naming Bethlehem as the birthplace of our New Ruler, our Shepherd, and our Source of Peace. This is, famously, the passage the chief priests and teachers of the Law refer to in Matthew 2:3–6, when Herod asks them where the Messiah will be born.

Even so, Bethlehem is a shockingly humble choice for the Arrival of God’s New King. True, it had been David’s birthplace, but it was just a small bread-making village with the bigger, grander, more "spiritual" city of Jerusalem a mere five miles away. Bethlehem is a down-to-earth location for the Arrival of our down-to-earth Savior.

It’s worth saying again that the manner and place of Jesus’ Birth remind us God will always fulfill His Promises – but will often not do things in the way we expect. Of course, the important thing is not that God meets our expectations, but that He more than fulfills our needs.

There are Promises in the description of Jesus, this Ruler whose origins are from of old, that we all need and can hold on to today. Whatever you’re facing today, He is still our Caring Shepherd, the Focus of our wonder and worship, and the Source of our strength and peace.

Prayer

Lord, as we celebrate the Birth of Your Son this week, thank You that You chose the most humble, down-to-earth starting point for our Rescue. Thank You that You fulfill Your Promises in Your way and in Your timing.