Small Bustling-with-Activity Village

The census and taxes brought people to the small town of Bethlehem (Luke 2:3–6). But for Mary and Joseph, being in Bethlehem was more than obeying the law; it was God’s providence. There Jesus would be born in the city of David, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah’s coming:

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah [another name for Bethlehem], 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.” Micah 5:2

The trip for Mary was a grueling four-day journey from their home in Nazareth, eighty miles away, whether she walked or rode on a donkey, being “great with child.” Yet, despite the discomfort, the couple obeyed the law and paid their due tax; there, in the little town of Bethlehem, Jesus was born.

Bethlehem means house of bread. In chapter six of the Gospel, the apostle John writes about the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand and how they followed Him to the other side of the sea, seeking more food. Jesus told them they sought Him to fill their physical hunger, but His Father sent the true bread from heaven that gives life to the world (v. 32, 33). Then Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. . . Verily, verily I say unto you: He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life.” John 6:35, 47, 48)

The Bread of Life came down from heaven to Bethlehem, the house of bread, so everyone who trusts Him can have eternal life with God, His Father. Only the True Bread sent by God from heaven can satisfy dry, hungry souls. He will if you believe and invite Jesus into your heart.