Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 16
O Little Town of Bethlehem

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 141:1-10 | Micah 5:1-7:20 | Rev.7:1-17 | Proverbs 30:5-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Micah 5-7

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2 NIV)

The gospel writers repeatedly stress that the story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus–was foretold in numerous passages by several Old Testament prophets. One of the most famous is the prophecy of Micah:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times”
Micah 5:2 NIV.

In that simple prophecy, the fact…