Moe Bergeron

The law of God reveals His holiness, but it also reveals something about us—we cannot meet its demands. Grace steps in where the law leaves off, not by lowering the standard, but by raising and fulfilling it in Christ on our behalf. The Son of God is holier than Israel’s Law. Image Him.

Scripture
Micah 5:2 (NLT)

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.”

Reflection
Bethlehem was not impressive. It was small, tucked away, overshadowed by cities like Jerusalem. And yet, through the prophet Micah, God announced that from this little town, the eternal ruler would come. The Messiah would not emerge from power, but from obscurity. Not from a palace, but from a manger.

The irony is breathtaking. The One “whose origins are from the distant past”—a poetic phrase pointing to His divine, eternal nature—would be born into a town barely worth mentioning. Yet this is God’s way. He brings greatness from humility, glory from quietness, salvation from simplicity.

Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy. The bread of life was born in the “house of bread.” The eternal King stepped into time in a place few would have chosen. But this was no accident—it was the wisdom of God on display.

Advent calls us to lift our eyes from what the world esteems and fix them on the surprising ways of God. He still meets us in hidden places, still works through what seems small, and still fulfills His promises in unexpected ways.

Application
Where might you be underestimating the ways God can work—in your life, in others, in overlooked places? Ask Him to open your eyes to His purposes, even when they come through unexpected paths. Trust that nothing is too small for His glory.

References
Matthew 2:5–6 (NLT)

“‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they said, ‘for this is what the prophet wrote: … a ruler will come from you …’”
1 Corinthians 1:27–28 (NLT)
“Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish… and things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.”

Prayer
Lord, thank You for choosing Bethlehem. Thank You for showing that You work in the quiet places and through the unexpected paths. Help me to trust Your ways, even when they don’t make sense to the world. Do something beautiful through what seems small in my life. Amen.