O Little Town of Bethlehem

 

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being4 might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-31 ESV).

 

"O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a popular Christmas carol, written by Phillip Brooks in the 19th Century. The lyrics refer to the town of Bethlehem where Jesus was born of Mary. This hymn describes the setting of Christ's birth and the wondrous gift that would be his life, teachings, and sacrifice. It was written by Phillips Brooks (1835–1893), an Episcopal priest, then pastor of Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia and later of Trinity Church in Boston. He was encouraged by touring the town of Bethlehem in the Sanjak of Jerusalem in 1865. Three years following, he penned the poem for his church, and his organist Lewis Redner (1831-1908) composed the accompanying melody. It is a favorite of many!

 

He tells the story of Bethlehem, a town which could be considered tiny and insignificant. The Prophet Micah describes Bethlehem as being “…small among the clans of Judah.” Yet he goes on to say, “out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.” Indeed, Jesus was born in Bethlehem some 700 years later.

 

The significance of insignificant Bethlehem can’t be understated. God loves to work in amazing ways through the unlikely and the overlooked. It’s easy for all of us to feel undervalued and unimportant, but that is exactly the type of person God will use. Think of the endless ways God could use you if you surrender to His will. Actually, Bethlehem did have some significance before Jesus’ birth. Among other things it was also the birthplace of David, Israel’s greatest Old Testament warrior and king. However, this is also another example of God’s amazing province. David after all was the youngest son of Jesse who considered him the unlikeliest of his boys to become king. But God saw

through all that and had him anointed the next ruler of Israel. Again, God was working in ways that are outside of man’s conventional wisdom.

 

We tend to see our life and circumstances through a man-made perspective. Once we realize that the Lord works in mysterious ways which are far above our own we will be more ready for Him to use us in an exciting way. Of course nothing has more significance than the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. How

unlikely is it that it would begin one quiet, peaceful night in a quiet, peaceful town. The “everlasting Light”, the “hopes and fears of all the years” all started in the “…Little Town of Bethlehem.” You can’t make this stuff up and thankfully it’s not!