Read:Micah 5:2 Listen: Micah 5

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. Micah 5:2

Seven hundred years before Jesus's birth, the prophet Micah ministers to God's people in Judah. Micah calls God's people to walk humbly with God and lead lives of justice and mercy (Micah 6:8). Within this message, he prophesies about the coming deliverer and ruler of Israel, who would be born in the humble town of Bethlehem. Further, Micah proclaims that this coming ruler’s origins would be “from of old, from ancient times.” The coming of Jesus fulfilled this ancient prophecy with stunning accuracy. Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2). But even more, Jesus is the Son of God who has always existed “from ancient times.”

This Christmas week, it’s important that we slow down enough to remember the identity of Jesus, the baby born in the manger in Bethlehem. Though Jesus was born a humble baby, he is the divine king and Son of God who has always existed. Every Old Testament promise we've studied this fall found its fulfillment in this moment. He is the eternal king who stands as the central figure of Scripture's story and the one worthy of all our praise.

TODAY: The eternal king who was born in Bethlehem is personally involved in your life right now. As you navigate Christmas preparations and celebrations this week, pause to remember his presence with you. In the car, while wrapping gifts, during a meal: acknowledge that the One who has always existed is with you in that very moment. Thank him for something specific he has provided or done for you this year.