“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.” (Luke 2:8-9 in the King James…
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)…
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, NLT) As the Christmas season approaches, so much of our time is spent focusing on…
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
One more day, and we celebrate the most joyous day of the year. For some this will be one of the busiest days of the year as you prepare the meals and make ready the house for guests.
How tiring a day it must have been for Mary and Joseph as they traveled those long weary miles to Bethlehem, and then could not find a place to stay. Once they were shown to the stable, it would not have taken them long to ready a place to rest. And there, on that first Christmas morning, baby Jesus was born.
As we prepare our home for family and friends, may we also prepare a place in our hearts for the One who came to bring us life.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to make room in our hearts for you as we celebrate this Christmas.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
The year has gone by so fast and it hardly seems possible that Christmas is only two days away. For children, the next two days will seem like an eternity as they anticipate the gifts that they will receive on Christmas morning.
As children of God, we realize that the best Christmas gift of all was given on that first Christmas day so long ago. When Mary gazed upon the baby sleeping in the manger, she had no idea just what He had come to bring to mankind. Just imagine what this world would be like if He had not come.
As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, let us give thanks for the wonderful gifts He has bestowed upon us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for coming to earth in the form of Jesus Christ, to bring us the blessed gift of salvation. We thank you today, for the best gift of all.
“I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible) The malls…
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah,the Lord. (Luke 2:11. NIV) The Christmas season is always a very busy time of year. Whether we be out shopping, preparing for concerts, family gathers – it is very easy to get caught up…
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7 Holy Bible King James Version).
No glitter or tinsel, no brightly wrapped gifts or holiday cookies greeted Jesus. Absent of a warm baby blanket, Jesus was wrapped in cloth strips and laid in a manger. The original Christmas in a cold stable was simple with no celebration, yet no other day will impact all humanity as did that first Christmas when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, during this time of Christmas celebration I will remember how You were born so long ago in a humble setting. I won’t be concerned about the grandeur of my holiday decorations or the quantity and value of gifts I might receive. I will focus on being thankful that Your humble birth – a gift of love to me – is the greatest gift I will ever receive. Amen.