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BORN IN BETHLEHEM
A GREAT RULER OF ISRAEL WILL BE BORN IN THE SMALL TOWN OF BETHLEHEM | MICAH 5:2
The prophet Micah foretold that a great ruler with ancient roots would come from the small town of Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 states that although Bethlehem is only a small village, a great leader of Israel would arrive on God’s behalf.
The town is referred to as “Bethlehem Ephrathah” in Micah 5:2. Ephrathah refers to a former title of Bethlehem meaning "fruitful." By referencing both Bethlehem’s ancient and modern names, this prophecy foreshadowed how the arrival of Jesus marked both the beginning of a new covenant and the fulfillment of a timeless promise.
Micah further described that this new ruler would ”lead his flock with the Lord’s strength” and that “he will be the source of peace” (Micah 5:4-5).
MARY + JOSEPH TRAVELED TO BETHLEHEM + JESUS WAS BORN IN A MANGER | LUKE 2:4
Mary and Joseph traveled from their hometown of Nazareth to report to Bethlehem for the required census. Because the town was filled with travelers, there was no room for Mary and Joseph to stay indoors. Jesus was born in a rustic shelter among animals and was laid in a manger.
When King Herod heard of the birth of a new ruler, he became enraged and ordered the death of all young boys in Bethlehem, attempting to kill Jesus. This act fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:15, which states there would be lamentation and weeping over the loss of children. This tragedy lowered the likelihood of a Savior born in Bethlehem, yet Jesus survived.
The word Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” Before His crucifixion, Jesus broke the Passover bread as a symbol of His body, instructing the disciples to take communion in remembrance of Him. Jesus, born in the “House of Bread,” would later become the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35).
Jesus entered the world in the humble setting of a manger, wrapped in simplicity. He left the world on a cross, embodying love and sacrifice. His life was bookended by both humility and divine purpose.
This Christmas, consider the significance of Jesus’ humble beginnings and the meaningfulness of his birth in the town of Bethlehem.
About this Plan
This study invites you to prepare your heart for the long-awaited Savior. During the season of Advent, which means “arrival,” we prepare for the birth of Christ and acknowledge His fulfillment of God’s promises. In this devotion, you’ll explore ten prophecies that foretold Jesus’ birth, each one providing a glimpse of God’s master plan in action. Each prophecy highlights God’s faithful character and reminds us that His plans for us are always full of hope. We hope these reflections help you reconnect with the wonder of Jesus, “God with us,” Emmanuel.
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