The Prophets and the Birth of Jesus: Home is where the heart is
Micah 5:2 • But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.
The prophet Micah predicted that Jesus the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
We all are from somewhere: small towns, large cities, farms, coastal areas or college towns. Some rush to leave home. Others rush back. Some never leave. Communities help make us who we are in so many ways.
Remember your community and the nurture it provided. Reflect upon the people who impacted you and gave you a sense of identity and purpose. Ultimately, we are members of the kingdom of God. We are assured by Jesus that he has gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us — that where he is, one day we will be also (John 14:1-3).
Lord, bless the lands in which children are born; enable those places to provide nurture, love and support. Amen.