All You Want for Christmasਨਮੂਨਾ

O Little Town of Bethlehem

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah.” - Micah 5:2a

Think

Words like “small” and “little” can easily translate to “insignificant” and “easily overlooked.” No doubt there has been a time in many of our lives when we have felt insignificant or have wondered about our worth in a culture that measures worth in what we have, what we look like, or what we can do. It is so easy to chase our worth in these things, only to be left feeling small in comparison.

But that is NOT how God sees us. Like the little town of Bethlehem, God often chooses the small and insignificant. This little town became the birthplace of Jesus, the exact imprint of God’s very being. In this small, insignificant town, God’s wondrous gift was given.

But you, O reader, are only one person in the whole human race, yet you are of great worth. To you, dear one, has come the light of the world to shine in every dark day. And in you, this gift of light and life can shine to all around you.

Apply

The need to be valued is universal. Every day we have opportunities to value other people simply because God values them. When we do, we are reminded of our own value.

Pray

Lord Jesus, help me know deep in my being how wide, how long, how high, and how deep your love is. Help me experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Help me to value myself and others the way you have valued me. Amen.

Author - Audrey Kanagy has served as pastor at Ridgeview Mennonite Church since the fall of 2018. She and her husband, Robert, are the parents of three sons and enjoy living along the Millstream.