“But
thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of
Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler
in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
Micah 5:2 It
is so amazing how such good things can come from small places. The name
“Bethlehem” literally means , “House of Bread”. It is in this small
place that Jesus Christ was born. The Lord kept this promise. This small
town of Bethlehem was a pivotal point in history for God’s people.
The Prophet Isaiah wrote the following prophecy:
“For
unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government
shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of
Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
We find in Matthew 1:21 the following words which fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy:
“And
she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he
shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that
it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,
saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a
son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is,
God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of
the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her
not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name
JESUS.” Matthew 1:21-25
Jesus
is all the things Isaiah said He would be. He is the “child” promised.
He is the “son” given. He is “wonderful.” He is our “Counsellor.” He is
the “Mighty God.” He is the “Everlasting Father.” He is the “Prince of
Peace.”
In Jesus, Dana Klein, Pastor, Acadian Lighthouse Church of Jesus Christ, Kaplan, La