Friday
Fourth Week of Advent - Love

Scripture:

(Micah 5:2-5a) But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.  Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.  And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem – Text & Tune / Youtube Video

Prayer:

O God of wonder, how remarkable it is that the Christ should come to Earth in the little town of Bethlehem from the little clan of Ephrathah.  How remarkable that hope and salvation should come from places and people that are insignificant in the eyes of the world. And how remarkable that the great ruler foretold of old, who would stand in the strength of the LORD, and in the majesty of God's name, should come as a shepherd and the one of peace.  God give us direction and grant us the grace that we, like the Magi, will pay attention to your word and learn to look in unexpected places for the One who brings your salvation.