But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.”
Micah 5:2
Micah’s prophecy speaks of an unlikely place—Bethlehem, a small and insignificant town—where the greatest of kings would be born. As one king sits on a throne as the ruler and emperor of the greatest power on the face of the earth in Rome, a second king comes not in power and majesty, but in humility. The Saviour who could have come in grandeur and splendor, instead, chose to enter the world in simplicity, born in a manger—a backdrop of humiliation.
As we reflect on this, we are invited to consider how God works through the ordinary. In our own lives, we may feel insignificant, unnoticed, or unimportant, yet God sees us. Just as he chose Bethlehem, he chooses us to be part of his redemptive story. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem points to the reality that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, and his grace is for all.
This coming ruler will “shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord” (Mic. 5:4). Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us with gentle strength. He is not distant or uncaring; he walks with us, guides us, and protects us. In a season where we may feel the weight of the world’s chaos or personal struggles, Advent is a time to return to the Shepherd who offers rest and security. We are reminded that our peace does not come from circumstances, but from the presence of Christ.
“[Jesus] will be our peace” (5:5). Jesus doesn’t just bring peace; he is peace. He reconciles us to God and, through him, we find wholeness and rest. This Advent, as we prepare for Christmas, let us invite Christ’s peace into every corner of our lives. Whether we are facing anxiety, uncertainty, or busyness, we can rest in the assurance that the Prince of Peace is with us, and that his reign will have no end.
May this Advent season fill us with awe and hope as we reflect on the humble King who came to save us and guide us into eternal peace.
Our Father in heaven, may the overwhelming peace of Christ—he who is peace personified—rule in our hearts this season since, as members of one body, we have been called to just that.
Avery Pham
* Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, ©The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1995. Used by permission.
** The above was taken from Glory to God in the Highest: A Christmas Devotional (Oakville: Proclamation, 2024).
By job title, Alice is the office administrator at Oakridge. But her behind-the-scenes efforts go far beyond that! She is actively involved in the leadership team for the Tuesday evening women's bible study, she is on the mission committee, and she has recently both stepped into the leadership of church bridal and baby shower celebrations, and started teaching in our Ozone kids program. Oh, and if you see any special seasonal or holiday decorations around the church, it's a safe bet that Alice was involved!