Micah 52 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

I’ve always loved Christmas and Christmas traditions – the familiar sights, sounds, and even smells and tastes allow peace and joy to surround me in a comfortable and inviting way. My anticipation of those few days with no burden of work, surrounded by family builds when December dawns and then springs upon me when the last of my Fall grades is entered. However, events this past year and my season of life have added a touch of melancholy to the normal seasonal emotions. My son will graduate from high school in the Spring, and the uncertainty of where he will be in the future compels me to savor every moment we have this year. My daughter seems to have grown up overnight, and I suddenly realize that a childlike anticipation of the season has passed from our house, making me ache for those moments of seeing younger children experience the wonder of the season. Perhaps the most significant change is that this will be my first Christmas since my father passed away. I’m not even sure how to act or feel, given the silent sadness that must come when we all realize that he’s not with us to participate in his familiar and unique ways.

The people of Micah’s day faced challenges on a scale that make my life issues seem paltry in comparison. They too faced changing family dynamics and the death of loved ones, but they also had an overwhelming Assyrian army knocking at the gates of their city. Micah begins his book with a somewhat hopeful and powerful remedy, the LORD is coming from his holy temple to stamp out wickedness (1:2-4). What follows is a roller-coaster-like mixture of judgment on wickedness and promise of restoration for God’s people to a high and important place in the world. The culmination of God’s plan for his people and, indeed, for the whole world, is a very surprising event – the birth of a baby in a small village in Judah. This remarkable child will have an ancient lineage (5:2), will fulfill the great hope of the restoration of God’s people to the land (5:3), and will shepherd his people in such a way as to give them comfort and “be their peace” (5:4-5). Apparently, quite a lot is riding on one baby to be born in Bethlehem!

As Christians, we may know the fulfillment of this promised birth was far in the future for Micah’s audience. They would be miraculously delivered from the Assyrians by the Angel of the LORD (see 2 Kings 18-19), but none of them would live to see the birth of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem over 700 years later. However, the message was clear for Micah’s audience – they must place their faith in the living God of the Bible and expect his advent. Generations before them had experienced God’s deliverance and salvation, so now they too must wait to experience this same sacred manifestation of God’s love. None of Micah’s audience could have grasped the way this prophecy would come to pass, but centuries later the Gospels plainly show us that the sign of the baby was not lost on the religious leaders (see Matthew 2:5-6) or even the most common of people (see the shepherds of Luke 2:8-20 as one example) – God’s people desired his advent.

We stand on the other side of Jesus’ first advent as a baby in Nazareth 2,000 years ago, but we look forward to his second advent. No matter what life uncertainties or sadnesses we might be facing this Christmas season, God’s promise to us is the same as it was to the people of Micah’s day. Just as they desired and looked for the arrival of God’s Messiah, we should expect him to come and to come soon. We are not surrounded by Assyrians or ruled by Romans but we do live uncertain lives in uncertain times in a world that is still hostile to true faith in the living God of the Bible. Our hope, as was true for all others before us, is that God will soon fulfill his promise to return and dwell among us. He has given us the promise of his Word and seal of the Holy Spirit to fan the flame of that hope and assure us that we will not be disappointed. So, let us join the apostle John and the Church of all ages in the expectant call for advent this Christmas season: “Amen. Come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). We need you now!

Advent Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise you for sending your Son and for the hope of the Spirit within us. Just as you have always fulfilled your promise to dwell with your people, do so again this Christmas season. Let us desire your soon coming more than anything this world can offer.

Devotional written by Dr. Kevin Burris, Chair of the Ministry Leadership Department at Toccoa Falls College