Scripture:
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” – Luke 2:15–16
Devotional:
Bethlehem. A town so small that most maps left it out. Nothing about it looked extraordinary — yet God had been writing His story there all along. It was in Bethlehem’s fields that Ruth, a widowed outsider, gleaned for scraps to survive. And it was in those same fields that Boaz extended kindness, redemption, and a future that would one day lead to the birth of Christ.
Bethlehem was also David’s town — the place where a forgotten shepherd boy was called to be king. The one everyone overlooked became the one God anointed. From Bethlehem’s hills, David sang psalms of trust and hope that still carry our prayers today.
And now, in the same town, the greatest promise of all was unfolding. The Bread of Life came to the House of Bread. The Son of David, the true Shepherd-King, was cradled in a manger. Bethlehem, the town of redemption and unlikely kings, became the birthplace of the Savior of the world.
Imagine the shepherds hearing the angel’s announcement. They could have doubted. They could have stayed in the fields, clinging to the familiar. But their hearts burned with urgency. “Let’s go to Bethlehem,” they said — because they knew something holy was happening there. They ran, not to a palace or throne room, but to a stable. And what they found in that quiet place was everything their souls had ever longed for: God with us.
Bethlehem reminds us of this: God often chooses the places and people the world overlooks. Out of loss, He brings redemption. Out of obscurity, He raises kings. Out of a manger, He gives us His Son. And like the shepherds, we are invited not to linger in hesitation but to run to Him with everything we have.
This Advent, don’t stand at a distance. Don’t let the miracle pass you by. Hurry to Bethlehem. Because in that small town, hope was born — and in Him, every longing heart is finally satisfied.
Application:
Ruth, Boaz, David, and Jesus all point to Bethlehem as a place of promise. How does that history stir your faith that God is weaving your story too?
Where in your life do you sense God inviting you to “hurry to Bethlehem” — to draw close to Him with urgency?
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for Bethlehem — a town that tells the story of redemption through Ruth and Boaz, the story of promise through David, and the story of salvation through Jesus. Teach me not to linger in comfort or distraction, but to run to You like the shepherds did. Satisfy my soul with the Bread of Life. Amen.”
Family Advent Activities
1. Bethlehem Star Mosaic (Quiet Craft)
Cut a large star or Bethlehem skyline from black paper. Have kids glue gold, silver, or yellow tissue paper squares inside to create a glowing mosaic. Hang it on a window so light shines through.
Tie-in: “Bethlehem was small, but God’s light shone there. Jesus is the true Light who shines for the world.”
2. Shepherds’ Journey Relay (Active Play)
Set up a relay course. Kids carry stuffed sheep or soft toys, hurrying across the room to a manger scene.
Tie-in: “The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see Jesus. We can hurry to Him too.”
Recipe Options:
1. Bethlehem Breadsticks
Bake breadsticks or use refrigerated dough. Serve with butter or honey.
Tie-in: “Bethlehem means House of Bread — and the Bread of Life was born there.”
2. Ruth’s Harvest Mix
Combine pretzels (staffs), dried fruit (harvest), cereal (grains), and chocolate chips (sweetness of God’s promises).
Tie-in: “Ruth found redemption in Bethlehem’s fields. Jesus was born there to redeem us too.”
