As
Christmas arrives this coming week, our thoughts are, and should be focused on
the greatest gift of all which is the birth of a Savior for a sinful world in
the person of Jesus Christ. His death
and resurrection for our sins could not have been possible if not for His
miraculous birth to a virgin named Mary, chosen by God to carry and give birth
to the Savior of the world. His birth
was made even more special to me this week as I was able to hold two new lives
in my arms yesterday as my oldest daughter gave birth to twin girls on Thursday
afternoon. Yet I am sure the feelings I
had as I held them did not compare to what Mary felt as she held Jesus in her
arms knowing it was a miracle from God.
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out
from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first
took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered,
everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because
he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his
betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the
days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her
firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same
country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by
night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the
Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to
them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy
which will be to all people. "For there is born to you this day in the
city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "And this will be the sign
to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising
God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill
toward men!" So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into
heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to
Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made
known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the
Babe lying in a manger.
Luke 2:1-16 NKJV
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, I hope we
remember that He was born to die, so that we can live. While we celebrate His
birth by giving gifts to one another, may we never forget that it was His gift
to us, the ultimate sacrifice, which allows us to make the choice to accept Him
as our Savior and become one of His own.
If you are reading this today and have never made the
decision to allow Jesus Christ to come into your heart, and accept the free
gift of eternal life He has offered you, I urge you to do so right now. You can
do that by simply praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life
God has offered all of us by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus
Christ.
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I believe You died
for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and
life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving
me. Amen.
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