“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.” Isa. 65:17-19
Heavenly Father, change is afoot, all around me and inside me. I feel vulnerable and out of control, and uncertain about many things in the world and in my future. I guess I’m pretty much like the shepherds of the Nativity. But I also know myself to be in your hands and on your heart. Where else would I possibly want to be?
I find great comfort today as I think about little Bethlehem and the big story that has been steadily unfolding ever since you chose a stable to be the birthing unit for your beloved Son, Jesus. Isaiah’s vision of things to come is as much of a part of the manger scene as animals and straw. Like a Russian nesting doll with many other dolls inside, the stable was pregnant with glory—with multiple expressions of glory. The shepherds were overjoyed at what they saw, but there was so much more to see.
Who could have imagined everything riding on the One resting in a manger? From unimpressive smallness, you bring immeasurable greatness. From startling weakness, you bring unprecedented wonder. Accidents don’t happen, sovereignty does. Circumstances don’t rule, providence reigns. Hallelujah…
For just as surely as a manger upheld Jesus’ body in his birth, so the cross upheld him in his death. Such is the way of the gospel—the glorious paradox and great reversal of the gospel. Such is the peace anchoring my soul in a predictably unpredictable life. Father, you haven’t just “set things in motion;” you are actively bringing them to completion. I don’t have to be afraid. I don’t have to be afraid. Very Hallelujah…
So today, I’ve got one eye on the stable and the other eye on the end of the story—a panoramic gaze from Bethlehem to the new heaven an new earth. Through Jesus, you are making all things new—you are stable-izing everything awry in the universe and in my heart. Eternal rejoicing will supplant all temporary weeping. Tears will give way to cheers. The biggest question isn’t what will I be doing tomorrow, but what are you doing today?
Father, continue to flood my heart with your grace, fill my hands with your mercy and direct my feet by your Spirit. So very Amen I pray with comfort and joy, in Jesus’ matchless name.