
Of all the places in the world Jesus could have been born, He chose Bethlehem. Have you ever wondered, “Why Bethlehem?” There is purpose and truth behind why the Son of God was born in Bethlehem.
The Historical Significance of Bethlehem
Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary, had family ties and ancestral roots in Bethlehem. David was born in the town of Bethlehem, and Samuel crowned David king of Israel in Bethlehem. Boaz and Ruth were married in Bethlehem, and David was their decedent.
Gospel Accounts of Bethlehem
Most of the Gospels are not specific regarding the significance of Jesus being born in Bethlehem.
According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem because a census was being conducted, which required Joseph to return from Nazareth to his ancestral home of Bethlehem.
The Gospel of Mark does not give us much information about the significance of Bethlehem, but it implies that Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth.
Fulfilling the Prophecy
According to Micah 5:2 (NIV), the Messiah is prophesied to come out of Bethlehem. The birth of Christ in Bethlehem is fulfillment of the prophecy.
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
How This Relates to our Lives
No matter which way you look at it, there is significance behind why Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Of all the places Jesus could have been born, God chose to come into this world in a sleepy humble little town. Jesus did not make a grand entrance into this world in a huge city full of busyness and worldly things. He chose to come into this world in the small town of Bethlehem, born in a manger none the less.
The wise men came to a manger in Bethlehem with gifts to worship Jesus and give thanks for the Messiah. A star shone above the sleepy little manger in Bethlehem to lead the wise men to Jesus.
Why We Chose Bethlehem
For whatever reason, Bethlehem was chosen and blessed by God. Many Christians currently living in this sleepy Holy Town understand the significance of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. These people choose to live life to the glory of God, with humble hearts and passion for their craft.
Bethlehem was the town Jesus chose to be born into. Bethlehem is the town we have chosen to have many wonderful Holy Land gifts made. Bethlehem gifts are hand crafted by Christian artisans who have chosen to follow Jesus’ lead and live a life of worship and humility. There is no better way to say “I love you” than with a glorious hand crafted Bethlehem gift.
