“Man stands before an impenetrable wall of darkness,” says A.W. Pink, “he is unable to foresee the events of even the next hour.” We know we cannot declare the things to come. We know that only God can. Fingerprints of His omniscience are sprinkled through the tapestry of redemption. One single thread of this intentionally woven tapestry has to do with a specific place, Bethlehem. From Rachel to Ruth, from David to the Greater David, this tiny town is so intricately woven into our Savior’s story, we can only see its fullness as the masterpiece is finished and we stand in awe. Thread by thread, generation to generation, the picture of the prophesied Emmanuel, who would be born in Bethlehem comes into view.

[Genesis 35.19] - “19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)”

[Ruth 4.11] - "“11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman (Ruth), who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem”

[1 Samuel 16.1] - “1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”

[1 Samuel 17.58] - “58 And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

[2 Samuel 7.16-17] - “16 ‘And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’’ 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.”

[Micah 5.2] - “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.”

Who now may we expect to see arrive in Bethlehem?

Luke 2.1-7

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 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, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why does Joseph depart Nazareth and go to Bethlehem? [v. 4]

+ What pagan rulers does God use for His purposes? [vv. 1-3]

+ What Moabitess was chosen to be part of God’s purposes through Naomi, a Bethlehemite?

+ Who are Rachel and Leah married to that point us to another of God’s Covenants to His people?

+ Who was of the lineage of David? [v. 4] Where was David from? [See 1 Samuel 7.58 above] What promise was made to David? [See 2 Samuel 7.16 above]

+ Who else makes the journey with Joseph?

+ What happens when they arrive?

+ Where was their firstborn son welcomed into this world?

+ How do the verses in the introduction point to the Messiah being born in Bethlehem?

+ How do the events in Luke 2.1-7 fulfill the OT prophesy?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How can I spend more time getting to know my Lord and my Savior?

+ What details do I gloss over in Scripture or in my personal walk with Jesus that could provoke awe and wonder?

+ How can an awareness of fulfilled prophecy give me confidence as I walk with Jesus today?

+ How can I be more present with Jesus and His people?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I share God’s beautiful tapestry with in the coming days?

+ Do your Christmas plans involve one or two others? Who might be on the fringe of your life who you could invite in to your home during this Christmas season?