O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! 

Read: Isaiah 11:1-3 

The town of Bethlehem has a small but significant history in the nation of Israel. Even though it is a small village for its entire existence, you cannot tell the story of the people of Israel without including it. It is the place where the majority of the book of Ruth plays out. It is here where the prophet Samuel anoints David as the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). And, it is the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. 

Even with all this, the town of Bethlehem and the people of Israel were unprepared for the coming of the Messiah. They were going about their business completely unaware of what was happening that night. Even when the scriptures pointed to Bethlehem and its significance in God’s plan, the people were not ready to receive the Messiah, the baby, Jesus. 

Is there anything that you need to do to prepare to celebrate the coming of the Messiah? 

How may God be working in this time?