There It Is—The Little Town of Bethlehem

Isaiah 11:1-9; Micah 4:8-13; Luke 7:31-35

There it is—the little town of Bethlehem, which has witnessed many challenges and opportunities for over 2,000 years. Yet it continues to be remembered as the town that welcomed the Lord of Light, where Christ has built His tabernacle in our midst. Two thousand years later, as we approach Christmas, these scriptures resonate deeply with the anticipation of salvation, the dismantling of oppressive structures, and the ushering in of a new era of justice and peace. Each passage reflects hope for the marginalized, a promise of redemption for the oppressed, and the restoration of a kingdom where true righteousness reigns.

Isaiah 11:1-9: A Vision of the Just King

This passage foretells the coming of a leader from the stump of Jesse—Jesus, the Messiah. Isaiah’s prophecy offers hope to a people worn down by empire and injustice. It speaks of a ruler filled with the Spirit of God, embodying wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might, who will judge not by appearances but with righteousness for the poor and the meek of the earth (Isaiah 11:4).

Isaiah’s prophecy offers hope to a people worn down by empire and injustice.

This imagery is striking. Earthly kingdoms and powers are often ruled through exploitation and injustice, but here, a new kind of leadership is promised. Jesus does not conform to the world’s standards of power, domination, or oppression. Instead, His reign brings peace where there was once violence, justice where there was inequity, and healing where there was brokenness. The vision of the wolf living with the lamb and the leopard lying down with the goat (Isaiah 11:6) speaks of the reversal of oppressive dynamics. In Jesus, we see the possibility of reconciling relationships, not just between individuals but between peoples, nations, and even the natural world. His kingdom offers a radical alternative to the violent systems of power that have long dominated human history. We are at a time when we are in dire need for reconciliation, and only Jesus can fulfill this.

Jesus does not conform to the world’s standards of power, domination, or oppression. Instead, His reign brings peace where there was once violence, justice where there was inequity, and healing where there was brokenness.

As we celebrate Advent and Christmas to come, let us reflect on Jesus’ kingship, which subverts all forms of empire and injustice. How does His leadership challenge the power structures of our world today? In what ways can we embody His vision of peace and justice in our own communities? How can we bring reconciliation to a divided world?

Micah 4:8-13: The Promise of Deliverance for the Oppressed

Micah speaks to a small, seemingly insignificant people who have been humiliated and oppressed by foreign powers. The prophet describes Jerusalem as a “tower of the flock” (Micah 4:8), a remnant people who will one day be restored. The language of labor and pain (Micah 4:9-10) resonates with a people suffering under the yoke of exile. Micah’s message speaks to the heart of those oppressed by systems of domination. The imagery of a woman in labor points to the pain of transition—both personal and collective—as the people of God move from subjugation to liberation. The promise that God will redeem His people from the hands of their enemies (Micah 4:10) is a source of profound hope for all who long for freedom from oppressive systems.

In the context of Advent and Christmas, we remember that Jesus’ birth is the beginning of this deliverance. The humble birth in a manger echoes the experience of the lowly and marginalized. Jesus Himself, born into a context of Roman occupation, would grow to lead a movement that confronted the religious and political systems of the day.

Jesus Himself, born into a context of Roman occupation, would grow to lead a movement that confronted the religious and political systems of the day.

How does the promise of God’s deliverance speak to communities still grappling with the legacy of oppression? This Christmas, let us reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice and remember that God is present in the midst of pain, laboring with us toward freedom and restoration.

Luke 7:31-35: Challenging Norms

In Luke 7:31-35, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His day. He compares the generation to children in the marketplace, unsatisfied with either mourning or celebration. John the Baptist came in asceticism, and they called him demon-possessed. Jesus came eating and drinking, and they called Him a glutton and a drunkard.

Jesus’ critique is a challenge to those in positions of power who refuse to engage with truth.  He is full of truth and grace. The religious elites, complicit in the systems of their time, were more concerned with maintaining their status than recognizing the revolutionary message of the Kingdom of God.

The religious elites, complicit in the systems of their time, were more concerned with maintaining their status than recognizing the revolutionary message of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus, born into a humble setting, continuously challenges the systems that dehumanize and oppress. His ministry does not conform to societal expectations or power dynamics. Instead, He befriends tax collectors, sinners, and the marginalized, embodying a new social order that upends the hierarchies of His day.

The accusation that Jesus was a “friend of sinners” is an indictment of the religious authorities’ failure to see God’s justice in action. Jesus’ ministry offers a radical critique of those who perpetuate exclusion and marginalization while presenting a Kingdom where those on the margins are brought to the center. As we prepare for Christmas, how might we confront the ways in which societal and religious systems continue to marginalize the vulnerable?  How can we, like Jesus, stand with the oppressed and challenge the status quo?

Conclusion

Born and raised in this beautiful little town of Bethlehem, I do not take celebrating Christmas here for granted. Life has been too precarious and dangerous, yet every day we find strength in the hope that Jesus gives us. As we meditate on these passages in light of Christmas, we see that Jesus’ coming is not merely a sentimental story of a baby in a manger but the inauguration of a kingdom that dismantles oppressive power structures and brings true peace and justice. Through Isaiah, Micah, and Luke, we are reminded of the deep connection between Christ’s birth and the hope of salvation for the oppressed. This Advent, let us seek to live out the radical message of Jesus, working toward justice and reconciliation in our broken world.  

As we meditate on these passages in light of Christmas, we see that Jesus’ coming is not merely a sentimental story of a baby in a manger but the inauguration of a kingdom that dismantles oppressive power structures and brings true peace and justice.

Through the eyes of faith, I see a radiant future emerging for my nation—a future where the darkness that has clouded our streets is pierced by the brilliant light of hope. It is as if a ray of sunshine, sent from heaven, begins to break through the heavy clouds, and with it, the King of Glory, Jesus, walks among us once again. His presence, humble from the moment of His birth, radiates the love He poured out during His earthly life, and the victory He claimed in His death and resurrection is our beacon of hope.

Through the eyes of faith, I see a radiant future emerging for my nation—a future where the darkness that has clouded our streets is pierced by the brilliant light of hope. It is as if a ray of sunshine, sent from heaven, begins to break through the heavy clouds, and with it, the King of Glory, Jesus, walks among us once again.

In Him, there is the promise of healing for our wounded lands, restoration for broken hearts, and justice for those oppressed. Jesus, who conquered death, is the assurance that no matter how deep the darkness, His light cannot be extinguished. As He walks our streets, He brings peace where there is strife, hope where despair has taken root, and life where there was only barrenness. The King of Glory is reclaiming every corner, every heart, every life with His unstoppable love.

This vision, inspired by faith, fuels the work we do, knowing that our labor is not in vain. We live in expectation of a divine transformation, where Jesus reigns as Lord over all—over our communities, our families, and our entire nation.

Dr. Fadi Al-Zoughbi was born and raised in Bethlehem. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies, an M.A. in Christian Missions, and a Doctorate in Church Ministry.  Fadi Pastors at the House of Bread Church in Bethlehem, where he is passionate about teaching God’s Word to the local Palestinian Christian Community. His heart is especially drawn to guiding children and youth toward spiritual maturity in Christ, and encouraging them to place their trust in God while living in a highly volatile context. Fadi and his wife Amani, are dedicated parents to two children, Yoanna (7) and Andrew (5).