As I write, we in Minnesota, are under a Blizzard Warning. I think many little children in Minnesota prayed for a white Christmas and the Lord graciously answered. It’s beautiful!

We are two days away from celebrating the birth of Jesus. Today, we are focusing on where Jesus was born in the Messiah Vine created by Kathi Westlund. Micah prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. 700 years later, the prophesy was fulfilled.

Prophesy: Micah 5:2

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.

Fulfillment of the Prophesy: Luke 2:2-5, Matthew 2:1-6

This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;  and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Who is God in the person of Christ? He is the Ruler.

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born, 
Unto us a Son is given; 
And the government will be upon His shoulder. 
And His name will be called 
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, 
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace 
There will be no end, 
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, 
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice 
From that time forward, even forever. 
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 

Revelation 1:4b-6

Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood  and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Who are we in Him? We are Secure.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 1:6

I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

December	Biblical Account	Points to Jesus as…	You, in Him, are…
1	Creation	The Creator	A New Creation
2	Adam & Eve	The Sinless Savior	A Saved Sinner
3	Noah	The Way of Salvation	Saved from Judgement
4	Abraham	The Promised Offspring	An Heir of the Promise
5	Isaac	The Lamb of God	Ransomed
6	Jacob	The Bridge	A Recipient of Grace
7	Joseph	The Provider	Cared For
8	Moses	The Deliverer	Delivered from Sin & Death
9	Joshua	Victorious	More than Conquerors
10	Ruth	The Redeemer	Redeemed
11	Samuel	Sovereign	Chosen
12	David	King	Royalty
13	Solomon	Wisdom	Equipped to be Wise
14	Prophets #1	The Light of the World	Children of Light
15	Prophets #2	The Mediator of the New Covenant	His
16	Daniel	Our Rescuer	Rescued
17	Nehemiah	The Cornerstone	Living Stones
18	Zechariah & Elizabeth	Faithful to Hear	Heard
19	John the Baptist	God, the Son	On Mission (like John)
20	Mary	Lord	Kept
21	Joseph	Immanuel – God with Us	Never Alone
22	Angels	Worthy of Praise	Bowed Down
23	Bethlehem	Ruler Over All	Secure

When You Pray…

Pray for:

1. Yourself
2. Your Spouse – Walk with the Lord
3. Your Children/Grandchildren – Faith
4. Your Extended Family – Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles, Cousins

Blessings to you.