It was really just a small, redneck town. Not a whole lot there— just a small shepherding village about six miles from Jerusalem. But the small village of Bethlehem was the birthplace of King David.

In one of the clearest prophecies about the coming of Jesus, Micah predicts that the little shepherding village of Bethlehem will be the birth place of another promised Shepherd-King who would bring hope and restoration to the people of God. Like the nation, this King will come to rule, but will also be attacked like a young lion attacks a flock of sheep. Yet, this King’s hand will be lifted up over his adversaries and cut off all His enemies. As a result, the ministry of this King will cleanse and purify His people in a glorious way.

Of course, about 700 years later a man and his pregnant virgin fiancée will make the trek to the same little town and give birth to the True and Better King, Jesus.