Micah 5:2-4 “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.” ³ Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. ⁴ He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

 The prophet Micah announces the place where the Messiah would be born, the city of David. This was the place from where God raised up an unlikely candidate – in the eyes of the world – the be the king under which Israel became the leading world power. And now God says He will do something similar in this little town.

Note the details and specifics that God shared through this spokesman:

• He would be from “of old”
• He would be the rightful ruler
• He will shepherd His flock
• He will have the strength of the Lord
• His greatness will reach the ends of the earth

From humble beginnings, His traveling parents unable to find overnight lodging, born in a stable, God entered this world in human form to be our Savior and earn our salvation.

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

 How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, Yet in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in.

 O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell
O Come to us, abide in us, Our Lord Immanuel!

Lutheran Service Book #361  stanzas 1,3,4