First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke Rapids, NC
16 East Fifth Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC   27870
252-537-4018,  office@fpcrr.com

2009 Advent Booklet, December 15, page 18

Micah 5:2-5

In this passage, Micah prophesies that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem (in fact, this is the passage that the chief priests use when Herod and the Magi are looking for the Messiah).  The idea that a great ruler could come from such humble beginnings would have seemed ridiculous at that time, but foreshadows Jesus’ teachings (“the meek shall inherit the earth” “The last shall be first”) and his ministry to the downtrodden and outcasts in society.

Micah also prophesies that God will turn his back on Israel, and that hard times will follow until the ruler shepherds his flock with the strength of God.  Scholars debate this part of the passage:  it doesn’t exactly match events in the time of Jesus and could be more related to His second coming.

But in the middle of this conflict and confusion, Micah tells us “and this shall be peace.” (Verse 4)  Peace won’t come from having the most swords (or guns and missiles), a burglar alarm, or side curtain airbags, and peace cannot be mandated or insured by our government. Our peace can only come through our faith in Jesus.  During Advent, we are supposed to be anticipating His birth, but we often become distracted by the “holiday rush”.  Let’s remember what Advent (and Christmas) are all about, and practice peace as individuals, as families, as a church, and as a community.

Billie Fansler