“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”
Luke 2:4
Scottish Presbyterian minister Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889:
“Do not despise Bethlehem. Do not pass it by. Come; see the place where the young Child lay.
“Look at the manger; there is the Lamb for the burnt offering, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. These little tender hands shall yet be torn; these feet that have not yet trod this rough earth shall be nailed to the tree. That side shall yet be pierced by a Roman spear; that back shall be scourged; that cheek shall be buffeted and spit upon; that brow shall be crowned with thorns—and all for you!
“Is not this love? Is it not the great love of God? And in this love is there not life? And in this life is there not salvation and a kingdom and a throne? At Bethlehem, the fountain of love was opened, and its waters have gushed out in their fullness. The well of David has overflowed the earth, and the nations now may drink. The good news has gone forth from the city of David, and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”
“Do not despise Bethlehem. Do not pass it by. Come; see the place where the young Child lay.
“Look at the manger; there is the Lamb for the burnt offering, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. These little tender hands shall yet be torn; these feet that have not yet trod this rough earth shall be nailed to the tree. That side shall yet be pierced by a Roman spear; that back shall be scourged; that cheek shall be buffeted and spit upon; that brow shall be crowned with thorns—and all for you!
“Is not this love? Is it not the great love of God? And in this love is there not life? And in this life is there not salvation and a kingdom and a throne? At Bethlehem, the fountain of love was opened, and its waters have gushed out in their fullness. The well of David has overflowed the earth, and the nations now may drink. The good news has gone forth from the city of David, and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”
Scripture Focus
Luke 2:1-7
Insight
“Come to Bethlehem and see/ Him whose birth the angels sing;/ come adore on bended knee/ Christ the Lord, the new-born King.” (French carol, c. 18th century)
Bible In A Year
- Obadiah
- Proverbs 20
- 2 John