The Fame of Bethlehem
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, Blessed be Your holy name. You are worthy of praise and honor. Thank You for coming into the world to save me from the sin that ravages my life. Thank You for the humility that brought you into this human existence, leaving Your throne in glory for me. Please grant me Your presence as I study Your Word and build up my faith as the story of Your birth takes shape in my mind and heart. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Read: Ruth 4:11-17
Think about It: While we don't remember our birth, must of us know about the place where we were born. Some even live near the place where they were born for their entire lives. That knowledge of our birth place gives us a connection to the past and to our family's story. It becomes a part of our own story. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem is miraculous and planned. God ordained that birth long before it became a reality and His plan is a perfect thread that runs throughout the Old Testament.
Ruth is one of the Old Testament’s beloved characters. She wasn't even Jewish! Her family originated in Moab and she is transplanted to Judah by her mother-in-law. Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, had moved to Moab with her husband and two sons to escape a famine. While in Moab, the two sons had married Moabite women and subsequently died. Left as widows, Naomi and Ruth return to Judah to reclaim a place in Naomi's homeland. While there, Ruth meets and falls in love with Boaz. After their marriage, they have a son named Obed. Obed and Ruth become the grandparents of Israel's greatest king, David. Thus Jesus Himself is able to trace his ancestry back to the Moabitess, Ruth. Bethlehem is the birthplace of David and of Jesus.
As Christians each of us shares a common birthplace - the waters of baptism. In our baptism we are made one with the entire family of God and that connects us to Jesus our Savior. That baptism becomes the beginning point in our story of faith. Some of us remember our baptisms, for they happened when we were adults. But for many, baptism is something that happened in our infancy and we only have pictures or stories from those who were there. But we remain connected nonetheless. This year, when we sing about or hear about Jesus connections to His earthly family through the city of Bethlehem, let's remember our own connection to Him through our baptism.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, it is amazing that You chose to walk as one of us. It is amazing that Your family's history goes back to the very beginning! I am grateful for the continuity of Your story, for it brings the beauty of Your plan into full bloom. The Father prepared even Your birthplace generations in advance and then placed You into history at the proper moment. Thank You for allowing me to know Your story and for the faith that teaches me that Your story is real!. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Read: Ruth 4:11-17
Think about It: While we don't remember our birth, must of us know about the place where we were born. Some even live near the place where they were born for their entire lives. That knowledge of our birth place gives us a connection to the past and to our family's story. It becomes a part of our own story. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem is miraculous and planned. God ordained that birth long before it became a reality and His plan is a perfect thread that runs throughout the Old Testament.
Ruth is one of the Old Testament’s beloved characters. She wasn't even Jewish! Her family originated in Moab and she is transplanted to Judah by her mother-in-law. Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, had moved to Moab with her husband and two sons to escape a famine. While in Moab, the two sons had married Moabite women and subsequently died. Left as widows, Naomi and Ruth return to Judah to reclaim a place in Naomi's homeland. While there, Ruth meets and falls in love with Boaz. After their marriage, they have a son named Obed. Obed and Ruth become the grandparents of Israel's greatest king, David. Thus Jesus Himself is able to trace his ancestry back to the Moabitess, Ruth. Bethlehem is the birthplace of David and of Jesus.
As Christians each of us shares a common birthplace - the waters of baptism. In our baptism we are made one with the entire family of God and that connects us to Jesus our Savior. That baptism becomes the beginning point in our story of faith. Some of us remember our baptisms, for they happened when we were adults. But for many, baptism is something that happened in our infancy and we only have pictures or stories from those who were there. But we remain connected nonetheless. This year, when we sing about or hear about Jesus connections to His earthly family through the city of Bethlehem, let's remember our own connection to Him through our baptism.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, it is amazing that You chose to walk as one of us. It is amazing that Your family's history goes back to the very beginning! I am grateful for the continuity of Your story, for it brings the beauty of Your plan into full bloom. The Father prepared even Your birthplace generations in advance and then placed You into history at the proper moment. Thank You for allowing me to know Your story and for the faith that teaches me that Your story is real!. In Your name I pray. Amen.
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