Advent: 2nd Candle

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

So we know this scripture, we heard it in Sunday School, Bible Study and maybe even when you were telling the story of who Jesus is to someone new.

anyone else catch it,

The city of David, also called Bethlehem

1 Samuel 16:4–13 ESV

Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

This is just to give a background about Bethlehem. Bethlehem is an important to God, because one king was anointed there and the final king of Kings was born there.

Again last week we talked prophecy I want to look at Micah.

Micah 5:2–3 ESV

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.

Micah was known to be a contemporary of Isaiah, meaning they lived around the same time.

So Isaiah prophesied the birth of Jesus while Micah prophesied where Jesus was born.

This was all to follow God’s plan that HE loved us enough to send His son.

Now you may ask where the faith comes into play.

Last week we talked about prophecy and the angel of the Lord appearing to Mary and Joseph.

They needed faith in God, that everything will be ok for them.

Such as the road trip.

Stubborn as a mule.

The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 90 miles

That is like coming from Pahrump to Primm, NV

We think right now that’s only an hour and half drive, that’s nothing.

If Mary and Joseph would walk that at an average pace of 2.5MPH, 20 miles a day could be 4-8 hour days.

They walked and rode a donkey. It probably took them closer to 7 days to do that.

Now donkeys when they are tired they just stop until they are ready.

Keep your Head up

Matthew 21:22 ESV

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

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