21 Nov December 23rd Daily Devotion

 GOD PROMISED A SAVIOR

A PROMISE MADE – ANOTHER PROMISE KEPT BY GOD

Micah 5:2 “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.”

According to the Bible, Jesse was the son of Obed and the grandson of Ruth and of Boaz. He lived in Bethlehem, in Judah, and was of the Tribe of Judah. He was a farmer, breeder, and owner of sheep.

David was a son of Jesse.  He also was born in Bethlehem.  He grew up there and according to his words to Goliath he was a shepherd, caring for his father’s flocks.

God chose Micah to record the Prophecy that Jesse’s and David’s ancestral home was the one “. . . out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel. . .”

Mary, pregnant with Jesus, and Joseph her husband had to travel to Bethlehem to honor the demands of the Roman government to participate in a census.  This was because Joseph’s ancestors were David and his father Jesse.  So, Joseph took Mary and they traveled to Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus near at hand.

Micah had prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.  God’s prophecy was to be fulfilled while they were there.  Such fulfilment of God’s promise assures you that the Baby to be born, born in Bethlehem, gives you confidence that God’s promise to you of His forgiveness of your sins and an eternal home with Him.  God keeps His promises.

Prayer:  Lord, Your promises kept assure me Your word is true.  Grant me faith to believe and trust every promise You have made for Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!

Above Thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by;

Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light

The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, And, gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wond’ring love. O morning stars, together

Proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King And peace to all the earth!

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is giv’n!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heav’n.

No ear may hear His coming; But ion this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend in us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel.

(LSB 361)