What do you think of when you read or hear the adjective "small"?  Small is usually not a good adjective unless, of course, we're talking about computer processors, or other technological devices.  Generally speaking, small means not important, insignificant, not BIG!  In this week's focus Scripture from Micah 5:2-5a, we read about a "small" village named Bethlehem.  Bethlehem provides us the opportunity to look at the letter "B" in our "ABC's of Christmas" series.  It also gives us the opportunity to see that sometimes good things come in small packages, especially when it comes to places:  ²But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah.

God, speaking through the prophet Micah, starts by reminding us that Bethlehem was "...only a small village" in all of Judah.  The word "only" right before small is another indicator that Bethlehem wasn't exactly the most happening place in ancient Israel.  Yet as we'll find out (or as you've already found out if you've read the Scripture before, or attended worship at New Life today, before reading this post!) through this week's posts, Bethlehem was selected hundreds of years before Jesus' birth, to be the birthplace of the Messiah, of God's anointed Deliverer.  While most of the Israelis of Jesus' day didn't exactly get it, and most still haven't, God's selection of Bethlehem as Jesus' birthplace tells us that small doesn't mean insignificant.

Bethlehem was the hometown of two of the greatest people in the history of Israel:  King David and Jesus.  The first set the standard for human kings, the second the standard--for everything!  That's significant. That's important.  That's vital.  You've heard of being guilty by association?  Bethlehem is significant by association!  Bethlehem was the right place at the right time.  I point all this out, because it doesn't matter where we're born.  It doesn't matter the size of the village or city where we live.  What matters is God's purpose and plan in our lives, and God DOES have a purpose and plan for each of our lives.  We may not be another King David, and we certainly won't be another Jesus--BUT we can become like Jesus.  We can live lives that mirror the love and power of Jesus, because He gives the Holy Spirit to ALL who trust in Him.  Take a moment right now to consider what You are doing with the reality of the Holy Spirit in your life---if you're a believer.  If you're not a believer TODAY would be a great day to trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and to receive the Holy Spirit in your life!  (If you want to learn more about that, please contact me at chris@newlifexn.org.)

So, assuming that you and I ARE followers of Jesus, what ARE we doing with the reality that the Spirit of the living God lives in our lives?  That is no small question.  Jesus came to give us life in all its fullness.  Are we living full lives?  Jesus came to redeem us from sin and death and to give us victory over them.  Are we living with victory over sin and are we assured that when we die to this life, we will live with Him forever in heaven?  These are big questions, for those who serve a BIG God.  Let's live with that reality as THE reality of our lives today!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are, and for sending Jesus to the small village of Bethlehem, to start the biggest of all lives--the life of saving humanity!  Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may glorify You and live as fully and abundantly as You have planned.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.