2021 Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons and Carols, Richland Washington
Last evening (Christmas Eve) Ann and I sang in the choir at the Festival of Lessons and Carols at All Saints' Church. The alternating readings from the Bible, hymns and anthems are chosen to tell the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus.
I believe I heard something very special in Lesson IV -- I think you may also. It was a reading from the book of the prophet Micah, Chapter 5, Verses 2 through 4:
2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
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Little Micah, your namesake spoke these mighty words many years ago, but they still ring strong and true today. Bless you!