Fourth Week of Advent: An Unlikely Place of Peace!

“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. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace” (Micah 5:2-5a ESV). 

In the late eighth century, the prophet Micah spoke to a primarily Israelite audience. However, his message contained a universal perspective, applicable to all people. 

He announces that God is coming from heaven, “his holy temple,” to the “high places of the earth” (a reference to the typical open-air sanctuaries where people were openly practicing idolatry). Micah declares God will destroy everything, and nothing will remain. 

But why? Because Israel has sinned against God. 

However, despite their sins and God’s pending judgment, Micah sees that there will be a remnant who “will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever” (Micah 4:5). 

Despite their pending downfall, a promise of hope remains. As Andrew Knowles writes:

“God’s plan won’t be ruined by the desolation of his people. At some time in the future, the greatest of all kings will be born in the small family town of Bethlehem.”^⁠1

As we enter the fourth week of Advent, like Micah’s audience, we, too, recognize our anxieties. How long will God tolerate our misbehavior (our sins)? Because God is righteous, God cannot ignore sin. And like Micah’s neighbors, we are also given a glimmer of hope and a promise of peace.

Our Savior King is born from an unlikely source (an insignificant and inconspicuous place like Bethlehem). Not just any king, but one fully capable of forgiving our sins and providing everlasting peace! 

Prayer: “God of light, we’re thankful for the peace of Christ which graces our hearts and home. Make us instruments of your peace in our world, shining your light into the hearts of those around us. Blessed be God forever. Amen.”

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¹ Andrew Knowles, The Bible Guide, 1st Augsburg books ed. (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 2001), 376.