A Big Thing Happened in a Small Town: God’s Chosen Stage for Christmas Day
Some 2,000 years ago, the most commemorated and celebrated birthday in the history of humanity happened; Jesus of Nazareth was born to a young Jewish couple in the city of Bethlehem. Why should the Christ be born in such a place? Well, firstly, to fulfill the Biblical prophecy. He was to be born in David’s hometown.
But why would God write such a story for Israel’s future king? See how God’s prophetic Word describes this moment.
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, From ancient days.
Micah 5:2 (ESV)
Bethlehem was a small town at the time. Its population would have been comparable to the city of Milner today. Their economy relied on agriculture, mainly shepherding. Yet something significant happened in that sleepy little town that likely had more sheep than humans; the Son of God was born, probably among its animals.
And yet, Bethlehem became the stage for the beginning of this story called the gospel—the good news. The hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem, written by Phillips Brooks in 1868, captures this thought so beautifully:
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
What does this mean? It means that in the birth of Jesus Christ, all of earth’s deepest longings and greatest needs find their resolution. Bethlehem, though small and ordinary, became the marriage altar of heaven and earth, where the Maker came to dwell with us in a human body. In Bethlehem, on that night, the entirety of history found its answer as hopeful anticipation and cries for help intersected in the arrival of the Messiah.
God intends to meet us in the ordinary places. This Christmas, be reminded that the same God who brought hope and peace to the world in Bethlehem desires to meet you where you are. Find your faith in Jesus Christ, who chose the little town of Bethlehem as the humble beginning of his great rescue story.
Bee-Attitude
Blessed are you whom Jesus finds in the ordinary places, for he shall fulfill your hopes and calm your fears.
Author Profile
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
