Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Scripture Reading  |  Micah 5:2–5a
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. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. (NRSV)

Reflection
When I read familiar lines of scripture, an associated setting frequently comes to mind. Today’s verses from Micah are particularly striking. For they are read every Christmas Eve in the Lessons and Carols that are at the heart of that very special worship service, often followed by the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” I see, in my mind’s eye, the shadowed sanctuary, the greenery and flowers, and the joyful, expectant faces of worshipers.

Since the early years of our Christian faith, this prophetic passage has been linked to the birth of Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 2:6), when the magi come looking for the newborn Messiah, the Jewish leaders direct them to Bethlehem, quoting from Micah. Yet these words have their own context.

Scholars help us see that this portion of Micah likely refers to our Hebrew forbearers’ return following exile in Babylon. There was little room for hope as they encountered a devastated homeland with great uncertainty. Thus the prophet’s message was startling. Out of the insignificant clans of Judah, God will raise up one (like King David) who will “stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord his God.” The Promised One will lead not only his people but the entire world in the paths of peace.

These are haunting words of hope in our own day. Lengthy shadows surround us in the warfare and gun violence that shatter our common life. Uncertainty clouds our vision of the future. Whether in Bethlehem or Chicago or wherever we find ourselves, “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

Prayer
God of hope and prophetic promise, open our eyes and ears, our very lives, to signs of the coming return of the Promised One, the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Written by Jeffrey Doane, Parish Associate for Older Adults

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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