Bethlehem and Nazareth are the two cities mentioned in the prophetic verses of the coming Messiah. Both cities are small towns in the clan of Judah. As a child, Jesus grew up in Nazareth, but He was born in Bethlehem. Because of a government decree, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to be counted in a census, but they eventually returned to Nazareth. What’s interesting about these two cities is they are both small cities where a birth of a king or an origin of king would not be expected. In fact, Christ’s earthly birth caused many to pause—after all he was only a Nazarene. To many, no one of any importance was born in Nazarene.

Today, a mention of a certain city, a certain town, or even a certain country can conjure up negative thoughts and images. However, the message of Christ was not for a class of people. Christ became a sacrificial lamb for all people, all nations, and all races. We live in a judgmental world, and if what the world thinks of us were true, then there would be no hope for anyone. Christ invites us to come as we are. Why? Because He knows our past, our present, and our future. In fact, He chose us before the foundation of the world. 

Christ chooses people from all over the world, and from all walks of life, to share the message of His love. So, when the world sees us this way or defines us that way, we know we are chosen by Christ. Christ sees us and loves us for who we are. He chooses us for who are, but He also chooses us for who can be. So, while the world sees where we come from, Christ sees our hearts. When the world sees our weaknesses and judge, Christ sees our strengths and gives us hope. With hope we know we can step out on faith, knowing Christ will never give up on us as we strive to achieve our spiritual and earthly goals.