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.
– Luke 2:4
Bethlehem was like any other town in the hills of Judea. And yet it was the birthplace of the greatest king of Israel, David, and one thousand years later, the Messiah.
How does such an honor come to the ordinary? Were the people of this town particularly worthy? Was there some great strategic advantage to where it lay? Were the people of Bethlehem politically savvy, having a long history of producing great leaders? Not at all. The little town of Bethlehem was in the shadow of great Jerusalem just six miles to the north. Even the meaning of Bethlehem, “house of bread,” is unremarkable.
But hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Micah predicted the destiny of an unremarkable, small place: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Mic. 5:2).
The townspeople of Bethlehem were surely proud to be the “Town of David” and the home of King David’s famous great-grandmother, Ruth. Proud also, to be the location of the tomb of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife. Yet, they must have wondered what Micah’s prophecy really meant. When would another prophet like Samuel come to town and anoint a new king, just as he had done with the boy David?
But it didn’t happen that way. On an ordinary day, while men plied their trades and women baked bread and children played in the streets, a traveling couple from Nazareth arrived looking for a room. They received no special treatment. No one offered them a room. Ordinary people were having an ordinary response to an ordinary looking couple.
Honor comes to the ordinary because of God’s choice, whether it is God’s choice to use a town, or a nation, or even a single man or woman, boy or girl. So if this is shaping up to be an ordinary day for you-be prepared. That’s the stage on which the acts of God are played.
Prayer for today: Dear God, it so easy for us to assume that nothing exciting will happen with the ordinary. Help us this Christmas to see the amazing things you do when you choose to use the ordinary.
[Excerpt from Christmas Joy]
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This is so true!! Great writing mel, for years I hated being ordinary. I always wanted to stand out, be first, the best and most beautiful. To stand out from all the rest!! What a fool I was, praise God that he waited and wooed me with his precious Holy spirit!! Now I Know that it is WONDERFUL, to be just one of the bunch!! Just being one of many!! Its great to be in the choir, or a Christmas caroler, or just one of the girls!! You don’t have to be the soloist or the bell of the ball. Because then, you have your reward!! But blessed is he who waits on the Lord and is a servant to all!!! I really loved this message Mel, God has blessed you with true insight from his throne!!! Now I live an ordinary life transformed to extra-ordinary everyday, because of my savior, JESUS CHIRST!!
There are so many ‘ordinary’ people in Nazareth, Bethlehem and the vicinity I suppose. (according to Bible experts) The question is why did God choose Joseph and Mary out of the many ‘ordinary’ men and women. What is extraordinary about the couple in the eyes of God ?
My hypothesis: This couple of Joseph n Mary got the highest score when God evaluated the ‘ordinary’ people for their performance in complying to His Ten Commandments. This couple is best suited for the infant care and up bringing of child Jesus.
PS What is the fate of the cast in granite USA version of the Ten Commandments of Gods as recorded in Bible chapters of Exodus 20 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 5 ? I believe God would be most unhappy if the cast in granite version of God’s Commandments in USA has been assigned to the stone breakers yard. Check out Exodus 28 for more information !
Leo Paul
I have asked so many times “Lord what are my skills and talents – please reveal them to me so I may use them for Your good and so I know I am being used for Your good!” I have always felt not up to par…ordinary — going through life — living however always knowing I am loved. In my ordinary self I am exceptionally loved and I shine in that realization anew again this morning! Thank you for this read — it brings freshness to my ordinary-ness too!
Wonderful message, thanks.
thanks for the text on Christmas. This is quite helpful to me and my family.