Bethlehem Baby: Tiny Vases
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me, one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. ~ Micah 5:2
Bethlehem Baby tells the Christmas story of a Saviour born in a tiny town – the promised Son of David, our forever King. These tiny vases trace key moments, from angel announcements to the classic nativity scene, reflecting the wonder of a mighty God choosing to dwell among His people as one so small.
The Lord's Servant
The first moment in the story is captured in the feminine form of this vase, which resembles a flowing skirt – a young woman receives the news that she has been chosen by God. Deep red evokes the sacrifice of the promised Son and the sword that would pierce her own soul (Luke 2:35).
Her response when she learns that God's favour will put her reputation at risk: “I am the Lord's servant.”
Good News
The next significant scene is that of an invitation: an angel brings Good News to lowly shepherds first – a glimpse of God's delight in exalting the humble. Countless specks across the dark vase recall the heavenly host filling the textured night sky to praise God.
Hearing that their long-awaited Saviour has come, the shepherds drop everything. “Let's go and see.”
Manger
The Christmas story culminates in the arrival of the King in the humblest of places — a stable. The white form of the swaddled Christ child nestled within earthy brown alludes to the first sign of the Messiah’s arrival: “a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). The shape of the vase also hints at the jars at Cana, where Jesus performed His first sign, revealing His glory (John 2:11).
The shepherds were among the first to worship the newborn King. Will you join them?