Hope: Day One - Humble Blessings

Advent is a wonderful season of hope!

Humble Beginnings

“But you, Bethlehem, only a small village in Judah, yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from a distant past … And he will stand to lead His flock with the Lord’s strength … Then his people will live undisturbed, for he will be highly honored all around the world. And he will be the source of our peace.” Micah 5:2, 4-5

This is one of the most powerful messianic passages because Bethlehem is pinpointed as the birthplace of the Messiah. Written 750 years before Christ, Micah tells of the honor which will belong to Bethlehem. Christ’s deity and humanity are shown here – He is a shepherd, leading with the strength of God, bringing peace to his people.

The precision of God’s promises proclaimed and fulfilled inspire us to hope in God. The hope of Christians is not wishful thinking but it’s based on the historical facts of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, and in the confidence of His eagerly anticipated return.

Heavenly Father, you are the source of all hope and we know our hope is in You. You will not disappoint us. Teach us this week to anchor our hope in Jesus. Help us to persevere with you when we feel like giving up. We eagerly wait for your return. Amen.