When you hear the name Bethlehem, what immediately comes to mind?

Bethlehem in the late 1800's (from St. Nicholas magazine, December, 1896)

For most of us the name Bethlehem immediately brings our thoughts to the Christmas story. Bethlehem is so well known to us because it is the birthplace of Jesus. However, Jesus wasn’t the first king born in Bethlehem. About 1,000 years before Jesus’ birth a little shepherd boy named David was born in Bethlehem. This little shepherd boy grew up to be King David, the most powerful king of Israel.

David was a mighty warrior and led his people bravely in battle. Under David’s command the people of Israel conquered the promised land, bringing peace to their nation. Today we read in Micah Chapter 5 a promise of another king that would come from small, unimportant Bethlehem. Micah tells how, just like his ancestor David, this king to come would be a shepherd, however not of sheep but of people. Like King David, Micah also tells of how this king would bring peace to his people.

We know this shepherd king as Jesus and we know the peace he brings is far more than peace for a nation at war. During this Advent season let us take time to stop and reflect on the peace that our shepherd king Jesus brings us: a peace that passes all understanding, a peace that gives hope, and a peace that can only be found in the forgiveness of our sins.