(Audio)
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
The one who is to be born in Bethlehem is coming. He is of David's line and so he comes from David's city. He will give himself to his people as the bread of life so he comes from the city whose name means house of bread.
Then he says, "Behold, I come to do your will."
Because Jesus is the one "whose origin is from of old, from ancient times" he is uniquely able to do the will of God. Because he comes forth, God from God, light from light, he is able to stand firm and shepherd his flock. Unlike all of the shepherds before him he has complete access to the strength of the LORD. He himself shares in the majestic name of the LORD.
It is the hope that this presence inspires that the yet unborn John senses and that Elizabeth interprets.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
The ark of the new covenant, containing the shekinah glory of God's presence comes to Elizabeth. This same presence is meant to fill us with hope this Christmas. We are meant to receive it and, having received it, because tabernacles of his presence ourselves. Let us come to the house of bread. Let us receive the presence of the royal king, the Son of David into our hearts. Let us brings his presence into a world of darkness that desperately longs for his light.
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
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