Devotion:
Read Matthew 2:1-6.
Imagine yourself traveling to a foreign land looking for a prominent family there. You have been given information that a child is going to be born in this family and you want to be there to celebrate with them. Because your information says that this child will become a prominent leader, you assume the family must be one of some prominence. Surely they live in one of the larger cities of the country and are known by everyone. You arrive in the capital and inquire with the leaders there, thinking they will know about this birth. You are surprised to discover they are not aware of it, but on further inquiry with some other officials, they give you directions to a little town outside the capital. As you arrive in the town, you are amazed that this child of such importance to the future of the nation would be born in such an “out-of-the-way” place.
The place of Jesus’ birth is reflective of lessons he taught throughout his ministry. Bethlehem was a small village, though it still had the historic prominence of being the hometown of the David, who most people said was the greatest king Israel ever had. Still, Bethlehem was not the place most people would have chosen for the birthplace of the one who God was sending as the Messiah.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus was focused on the least, the last, the lost and the lonely. He noticed them. He reached out to them. He told stories about them. He ministered to them. He assured them that God loved them, wanted to be in relationship with them and cared for them. That is still the message and mission of Christ today. No matter where you are from or your situation in life, God cares for you.
Personal Worship Option:
Give God thanks for opportunities to serve the least, the last, the lost and the lonely.
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