Today is Dec. 22, the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
In today’s readings, the prophet Micah foretold the birthplace of the Messiah with remarkable precision: “You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel” (Mic 5:2). In this prophecy, we are reminded of the surprising and beautiful way in which God works.
Bethlehem is not New York, London or Rome — not a bustling metropolis, seat of power or center of culture. At the time of Christ’s birth, Bethlehem was small and insignificant, a village barely worth mentioning. In fact, Micah had to clarify which Bethlehem he was referring to, lest his hearers confuse it with another town by the same name. It was too small to be just Bethlehem.
Bethlehem’s insignificance by worldly measures carries a rich spiritual meaning. The Messiah was not born in Jerusalem, the religious and political center of Israel, or in Rome, the heart of the mighty empire. Instead, God chose a place “too small to be among the clans of Judah.” Why? Because the ways of God overturn human expectations. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness, and His glory is revealed through littleness.
Humility, simplicity and surrender
The choice of Bethlehem reminds us that God delights in what the world often dismisses. It is not wealth, power or prestige that draws God’s favor but humility, simplicity and surrender to His will. Bethlehem teaches us to see with the eyes of faith — to recognize that God’s work often begins in the smallest and most hidden places.
As we journey through Advent, Bethlehem calls us to examine the state of our own hearts. Are they open and humble, like this small town? Have we made space for Christ to enter? Have we surrendered to Christ in our smallness, allowing him to seize even our weakness for the Gospel?
Let us pray,
O God, who, seeing the human race fallen into death, willed to redeem it by the coming of your only begotten Son, grant, we pray, that those who confess his incarnation with humble fervor may merit his company as their Redeemer. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
