Bethlehem Candle Stands for Peace
God’s messenger, Micah, delivered a solemn prophecy to Israel about the imminent destruction of their nation within their lifetime. Yet, amid this warning, God graciously granted Micah a vision filled hope: a divine revelation of a Ruler who would bring peace. Destined to unfold in a small town in Judah, this event would propel that town to newfound fame. Bethlehem. These verses are filled with layers of meaning woven through the narrative—not just a prediction of upheaval, but a testament to God’s merciful inclusion of hope, restoration, and elevation even in the face of impending challenges—a promise of peace that we celebrate when we light the Bethlehem candle.
Micah 5:1-5
“Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.”
The Long-Awaited Savior Brings Peace
Micah, guided by divine insight, prophesied the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem and made the profound declaration that “He will be our peace.” Fast forward approximately seven centuries, and the angels echoed this sentiment. They delivered a heavenly message to shepherds in Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).
This remarkable connection between Micah’s ancient prophecy and the angelic proclamation emphasizes the enduring promise of peace through the advent of the long-awaited Savior, born in the humble town of Bethlehem.
Reflect on this divine harmony, and let the message of peace resound in your heart. It echos a timeless significance of the birth of Christ, and that makes His message of peace all the more relevant.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Jesus imparts a unique and transcendent peace to His followers, distinguishing it from what the world offers. His words resonate with a profound assurance. By offering more than a fleeting calm or temporary serenity, He emphasized His authority over the world. This divine peace—deep and enduring—transcends the circumstances of the world. The world offers a cheap imitation, fragile and dependent on external factors. The peace that Jesus provides is rooted in His unchanging nature and everlasting love. In the midst of life’s challenges, uncertainties, and fears, His peace remains a steadfast anchor for our troubled hearts.
Embrace the transformative peace that Jesus gives, allowing it to guard your heart and mind in every circumstance.
Peace in the Midst of Turmoil
Jesus extends a comforting message to His disciples, assuring them that they can find peace in Him. Whatever troubles they faced in this world could not overcome His peace, and His words resonate with profound significance.
Jesus knows the exact difficulties and hardships that accompany our lives, and He provides an invitation to find enduring peace in Him. Jesus speaks of His victory over sin, darkness, and all that may trouble the human heart. In the face of life’s tribulations, His words encourage us to endure and to find an abiding cheerfulness in the knowledge that He has triumphed over the challenges of the world. This promise is a source of strength and hope. It reminds us that in Christ we can navigate life’s difficulties with confidence and peace.
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Celebrate Hope and Peace during the Advent Season
The scriptures echo a harmonious melody of hope and peace that finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He came as a baby, but He carries many names that encourage us today. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. (to name a few)
In these timeless words, we find the assurance that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, carries the weight of our troubles, offers divine counsel, and embodies everlasting hope. As we navigate the challenges of life, hold steadfast to the promise embedded in Isaiah 9:6. Embrace the reality that only in Jesus Christ do we find our ultimate hope and peace.
Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Want to Know More about Advent?
Read about the Prophecy Candle‘s inspiration to hope even in these dark times.