The Daily Office for October 13, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Given more than seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophecy of Micah 5:2 is unique for its great detail It was this passage to which the chief priests and scribes referred when Herod demanded information from them concerning the new King. This verse reveals the exact location of Messiah’s birth, His destiny, and His eternality. There were two insignificant towns in Israel that bore the name Bethlehem. One was in the north, in the area belonging to the tribe of Zebulun, and the other was southwest of Jerusalem, in the area belonging to Judah. Thus, the town is addressed as Bethlehem (house of bread) Ephratah (fruitful) to indicate clearly that the Bethlehem of Judah is to be the birthplace of Messiah the king. The fact of its obscurity, having been the birthplace of King David, is indicative of the low estate to which the Davidic dynasty had fallen and the low regard with which it was held. From this obscure village, however, would come the most prominent citizen and Ruler in all the world!
Collect for the Day
Sovereign God, who set your servant Edward upon the throne of an earthly kingdom and inspired him with zeal for the kingdom of heaven: grant that we may so confess the faith of Christ by word and deed, that we may, with all your saints, inherit your eternal glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.