Daily Devotion 08 December 2025

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.  Micah 5: 2

READING: Micah 5: 4-5 + Luke 1: 46-50

We continue in the second week of Advent to look at some of the prophesies foretelling the birth of Baby Jesus, Son of God.   We read in Micah that the little village of Bethlehem has been chosen for the birthplace of our Lord who will be ruler over Israel as prophesized long before.  In Isaiah 9 : 6 we read that a child will be born.  “He will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Then we read in Luke 1 : 46 – 55 Mary’s praise Song after the Angel Gabriel had called her to become the Mother of God’s Son through the work of the Holy Spirit.  She had received further confirmation from her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with the baby, John the Baptist.  Mary praises God for what He has done in preparation for the birth of Jesus.  He has chosen Mary to be the mother of Jesus, “been mindful of the humble state of His servant.” (vs 48) and “He has done great things for me” (vs.49b)  We read further about the “mighty deeds” God has done for His people, “scattered the proud,” ”brought down rulers,”  but He has ”lifted the humble” and “filled the hungry with good things.”  He has been merciful to His people from Abraham down through his descendants as He had prophesied through the ages.  In Isaiah 9 : 7b we read that the Messiah will reign through God’s Almighty power, on David’s throne and over his kingdom and He will rule with justice and righteousness.   We read in Jeremiah 33 : 5, “ In those days and at that time I will make a righteous branch sprout from David’s line;  He will do what is just and right in the land.”

Beloved in Christ, as we await the great festival of Christ’s birth, let us journey through with Mary and Joseph to that little town of Bethlehem, to once again experience the birth of the Christ Child.

Prayer

Lord God, during this Advent time open the eyes of our hearts to see You, our True Saviour.  We thank and praise You for Your many messengers who prepared the way for the birth of Your Son, baby Jesus.  Amen