Esther 1:1-22; Zechariah 11:1-17; Revelation 18:1-24
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 NKJV
Bethlehem is prominent in three Old Testament scenes. At Bethlehem, Jacob gave his newborn son two names; “son of my sorrow” and “son of my right hand” (Gen. 35:18). Godly Boaz lived at Bethlehem. He is the Kinsman Redeemer, a man of great wealth (Ruth 2:1). David too lived at Bethlehem. He appears, first as a shepherd, but also as the anointed, future King (1 Sam. 16). What a wonderful progression we see in Bethlehem: a Man of Sorrows, a Saviour, a Shepherd, and a Sovereign. — Gary McBride
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight. —P. Brooks