But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are the smallest town in Judah. Your family is almost too small to count, but the “Ruler of Israel” will come from you to rule for me. His beginnings are from ancient times, from long, long ago.

Bigger is better, right? Why would you get a small or medium sized fries at the fast-food restaurant when you can get a supersized order? Why would you rent a compact car when you could get a full-size for the same amount of money? Why would you get a regular-sized popcorn at the movies when you can get a huge bucket of popcorn (with extra butter, of course) for just a few dollars more? It just makes sense!

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Christmas story is that bigger isn’t always better. There were some major differences between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Jerusalem was the capital, and the magnificent temple was there. Thousands of people lived in Jerusalem. The feasts all took place there. Jerusalem was a city of great importance.

Bethlehem was just a tiny village about six miles outside of Jerusalem. Less than 1,000 people lived there. There may have been a small synagogue, but it would not have compared to the extraordinary temple in Jerusalem. Bethlehem was a town of no great importance.

The remarkable thing about this unremarkable town is that it was the location of the birth of the Savior of the world. The angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds outside of Bethlehem, not to the priests or royal officials in Jerusalem. Jerusalem may have had the palace, but Bethlehem had a King-sized manger that was perfect for the Lord.

The “Ruler of Israel” didn’t need bigger and better. He came humbly and lowly into His creation to save it. As you move about this Christmas season, do not be tempted by bigger and better. Sometimes the greatest gifts come from the smallest packages.

By Shawn Cornett, Bible League International staff, Indiana, U.S.