Wednesday prior to Advent 4

[1]

Micah 5:2–5a—Seven hundred years before the birth of our Lord, the prophet Micah was sent by God to rebuke the people for their idolatry and prophesy about the coming Christ. Here, he tells where the Savior is to be born: Bethlehem, the city of David (who was from the clan of Ephrathah). In his Gospel, St Matthew cites this prophecy as fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

The Scriptures is clear, “Out of Bethlehem a ruler will come.” The hymn writer put it this way, “O little town of Bethlehem…” A small, insignificant, tiny, town. Hardly anyone had heard of the place that is precisely where the Father determined that the Savior would be born. Not Jerusalem, not Bethel, not any of the other holy sites and cities. It was in the city of David, overlooked by all the experts, but the very place that he Father determined for the Savior to be born.

Out of Bethlehem will come a ruler who will be great in the world. Everything that the Father determined world to perfection. He will not leave anything to chance. The Father determined the very place where the Savior was to be born.

The will of the Father for your life is also determined by the testimony of His word. Trust that He has worked every single detail. The people, the place were all determined; your life is not life to chance. God has determined that His will shall be worked in your life. Trust His promises.

God of love and mercy, help us to follow the example of Mary, always ready to do your will. At the message of an angel she welcomed your eternal Son and, filled with the light of your Spirit, she became the temple of your Word, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. [2]

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[1] The Visitation, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2] Collect for Wednesday of the Week of Advent 4, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. 1 © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY