"The Least of These"

As Christmas soon approaches I cannot help but think back to that very first Christmas. I wonder what it was actually like in comparison to the sweet scenes that we set up all over our houses to represent the first Christmas. I wonder why God chose Bethlehem of all places, but I am so thankful that He did because Bethlehem truly was the least of these. 

In the Old Testament book of Micah, Bethlehem was described. "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." 

Bethlehem was not as important as other cities such as Rome or Jerusalem, yet God chose Bethlehem. He chose Bethlehem just like He chose Israel to be His people, like He chose David to replace Saul as King, like He chose Paul to write so much of the New testament. Paul describes himself in 1 Corinthians 15:9.
 

"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be
called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

Ephesians 3:8.
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this
grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ; "

I am thankful that God continues to choose "the least of these" and that I have the privilege of knowing Him. If Jesus were here today to celebrate Christmas I think He would spend it serving the least of these. Who are the least of these in your community and in your life? How can you serve them this Christmas season?

- love, briana -