Advent

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Advent

Angels     Announcement

Leaping     Birthing     Fulfilling

He Shall Be Peace

Emmanuel

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture: Micah 5:1 to 4a

Thus says the Lord: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the tribes of Judah, from you shall be born for Me one who will lead Israel: whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.

Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has delivered, and the rest of his family shall return to the children of Israel.

He shall stand solid and watch over his flock by the power of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord, his God; and they shall remain.

For now his greatness shall spread to the ends of the earth.

He shall be peace.

Reflection

The prophet Micah tells us where the leader of the people will be born. The tiny village of Bethlehem will have that honor.

This was the home of the great King David. The Messiah was to come from the line of David.

It is amazing that such a great leader would come from such an insignificant town. You might predict that the Messiah might come from Jerusalem or some other large town.

God has a different plan. Many times we see God choosing a person or place that the rest of us would overlook.

Micah indicates that this child will help people to return to the family of Israel. The role of this young child is one of unity.

We all strive to achieve this unity and to bring all people together. So many people are upset when they see bitterness and hatred between different groups in our society. We know instinctively that we need to be better.

This leader from Bethlehem shall watch over the flock. You sense the caring and the concern of this leader. 

These are the types of leaders that we need for our families, our Church, and our society. They are called to serve others and not themselves.

Micah points out that they "stand solid" as they tend the flock. They do not abandon anyone because they are fueled by the power of the Lord. 

This leader will not be limited to one nation or region. His love and caring will be so great that his message will spread to the ends of the earth.

It is interesting that this spreading will not be done by force or compulsion. This leader will embody Peace.

As we ponder this prophecy during Advent, we are amazed that our God loves us so much that God wants to gift us with a special person who will watch over us and lead us to true Peace.

Kathy's photo shows us the power of Light to overcome the darkness of division and hatred that can distract us and frustrate us.

There is another path to take. Emmanuel has come to help us find true Peace.

1. What is your image of Bethlehem?

2. Why does God sometimes choose such insignificant places in which important leaders are born?

3. Why is having leaders who bring unity so important for us today? 

4. How have you found true Peace?