Bethlehem - by Karen White

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;” Micah 5:2a

O Little Town of Bethlehem…The small town located southwest of Jerusalem, also known as the City of David and or Ephrath, the meaning of its name, “House of Bread”, its inhabitants mostly shepherds.

Bethlehem, the town founded by Caleb’s son Salam. (1 Chronicles 2:51) Bethlehem, where Jacob’s adored wife, Rachel died and was buried. (Genesis 35:19)

Bethlehem, the hometown of Naomi, who returned after the death of her husband, bringing with her Ruth, her daughter-in-law. It was there that Ruth met and married Boaz, and the two became the great grandparents of King David. (Ruth 1-4)

Bethlehem, it was where David was born, grew up, kept watch over his father’s sheep, and was anointed by Samuel to be king. (1Samuel 16:1-13, 17:15)

Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Levite priest who served in the house of Micah. (Judges 17: 7-13)

Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Savior. The place where the shepherds, were visited by the angels and told of His birth. (Luke 2: 1-20). Where the shepherds, and later the Magi, first laid eyes on Jesus.

Bethlehem, not a thriving, largely populated, affluent city, but very important in God’s plan.

Bethlehem, an example to each of us that we don’t have to be "large" by the world's standard to be used by God.

Karen is a freelance Christian writer, wife, mother of 3, and grandmother of 5. Contact