The second candle in the Advent wreath is often called the “Bethlehem Candle”.
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too insignificant to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2
Artists: God is notorious for using the ordinary and insignificant (places, people, objects … even time) to accomplish His redemptive story. Choose one of the "insignificant" and ordinary visuals of the Bethlehem story that speaks to you most and: sketch, paint, scribble, collage.... well, you get the idea :>)
Writers: With this verse as your prologue, write the first paragraph of a story that takes place in Bethlehem in the weeks before Jesus is born.
Aww... precious!
Mary opened her heart in humility. “Blessed are the pure of heart for they will see God.” Matt 5:8
This invites us in. Thank you, Mindy.
"Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God". Luke 1:30 -35
Mary's response assures us that fear is nothing to be feared for into it God speaks to us of our need of Him. When we humbly listen to His voice "the power of the Most High will overshadow " us.