Light the fourth outer candle, with the previous three candles already lit
Read Micah 5:2-5a
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.
Reflect At the time Micah prophesied,
the people of Israel were known for their injustice and oppression of the poor,
and they wanted God to give them international prominence
but they were unwilling to give him their lives.
And yet, despite Israel’s unfaithfulness to God,
God promised that out of the small town of Bethlehem
a Savior would come to strengthen God’s people and give them peace.
However, this promised Savior was not described as a great king
nor as a rich ruler.
Instead, he was said to come as a lowly shepherd.
And this lowly shepherd was not going to bring international prominence,
rather he was going to bring security, the majesty of the Lord, and peace.
Consider how we and other Christians are similar to the Israelites,
who were known for oppressing the poor,
rather than working for justice and the flourishing of all.
How did Jesus’ arrival upend this injustice?
How might Jesus be inviting us to be more like him?
Pray Lord, thank you for being faithful despite our unfaithfulness.
Thank you for bringing justice and peace
when we wanted power and prestige.
Please forgive us for desiring the riches of this world
more than your will.
We ask that you would help us to become instruments of your justice,
beacons of your light, and purveyors of your peace.
Help us to trust in your return, where you will end all injustice
