Small? One Voice?

"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel."  (Matthew 2:6)

​When you think of "small towns" what do you think of?  A population under 5,000?  A population under a thousand?  A community with only one traffic light?  A suburb to a larger community?  I have lived in a town with less than 300 people (but it did have a traffic light!).  There is also a community near me with less than 50 people. What about voices?  Can ONE voice make a difference?  One person speaking up, calling attention to, a problem or need?

The Scripture readings today are pointing out the one voice coming from a small town.  The reading, in Matthew, is King Herod asking, and learning, where the Messiah will be born - in Bethlehem, a town of less than 1000 people.  (v.6)  1 Thessalonians is reminding us to be praying, listening for what God is saying to us through the Holy Spirit. (5:19)  The Gospel reading is telling us about the one voice calling to people to prepare to "make straight the way for the Lord."  (John 1:23)  One voice calling for change, for people to prepare - "make straight the way."

Yes, many of us DO live in small communities.  Some of us live in "small" communities, even if the community is in a larger community or city, because of the building (or family) we are living with.  Yes, we are often the one voice trying to get people to pay attention.  Are we listening for what God is saying to us?  Are we doing what God is asking us to do?  Do we believe that one small voice, from a small community, can make a difference?  Something to think about.......