This bright portrait of Christ is not only painted on the dark canvas of the Assyrian invasion. It is also painted forevermore on the dark canvas of human history, including our present distress. Let the peace of Christ be your comfort in your troubled times.

Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Ephrathah means “fruitful.” As Bruce Waltke says, “Bethlehem represents a new start for Christians.” What is your new start?