Out of You Will Come a Ruler

For this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” — Matthew 2:5-6  

The prophet Isaiah promised long ago that a ruler would come.

Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, will be the place where He will be born.

And Bethlehem will call out a ruler of Judah.

One who will shepherd His people Israel.

And who will save us from our sins.

The Messiah Was to Be Born in Bethlehem

When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied.’” — Matthew 2:4

When Herod heard about Jesus' brith, he was worried.

There was another king in town, infringing on his territory.

So he called together and priests and teachers to find out where Jesus was to be born.

They told him that He would be born in Bethlehem.

The Messiah would be born in Judea.

He would be called Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace.

Let's Go to Bethlehem

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." — Luke 2:15

The shepherds were some of the first people to see baby Jesus.

The angels appeared to them to tell them about the birth of Jesus our Savior.

When the angels had left and gone into heaven,

The shepherds asked each other if they should go to Bethlehem to see this thing that has happened.

The shepherds hurried off  to Bethlehem.

Once they saw the Baby, they hurried to tell others about the miracle of our Savior's birth.

 

Bethlehem, the Town of David

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. — Luke 2:4-5

Joseph trusted God enough to take Mary as his wife, even though she was expecting a child.

He obeyed when God told him to take the child and flee to Egypt.

When God spoke to him, he listened and obeyed.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to him, he listened and obeyed.

Help me, Lord, to listen and obey just as Joseph did.

Thank You for sending the best gift of all - your son, our Savior Jesus.

Jesus Is Born

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem. — Matthew 2:1

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea.

King Herod was the ruler at that time.

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem looking for Jesus.

They wanted to find him so they could worship Him.

They knew He was God's son.

The Messiah Is Born

Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written. — Matthew 2:5

King Herod asked the Magi where Jesus would be born.

He did not want another king to threaten his kingdom or  power.

But he pretended to be interested in the new baby king.

The wise men told him where Jesus would be found.

They had followed the writings of the prophet Isaiah and knew where Jesus would be.

Our Ruler and Shepherd

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. — Matthew 2:6

It's Friday the 13th, but what a beautiful way to begin the day and end the week.

Here's our Crape Myrtle tree, changing colors.

One of the few signs of autumn in San Diego.

And, of course, it's winter!

But we're a bit behind.

The people of Bethlehem had no idea that Jesus, our ruler and shepherd would come out of that town.

As we move toward Christmas, we also celebrate God's creation.

Thank, You, Lord!