Today’s Reading: Luke 2:21-52

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. – Luke 2:21-22

There was a man in Jerusalem who had been eagerly awaiting the coming of the Messiah. That day, the Holy Spirit led him to the Temple, where he saw Mary and Joseph with their newborn son. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon knew this was the one he had been waiting for. He prophesied over Mary’s baby.

“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” – Luke 2:34-35

There was also a prophet named Anna at the Temple that day. She stayed at the Temple day and night worshiping God through fasting and prayer. As she observed the interaction between Simeon and the young parents, she began to praise God. She quickly spread the word to those she knew had also been waiting in expectation for God to rescue Jerusalem.

When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. – Luke 2:39-40

The writers of the gospels seem to fast forward through Jesus’ childhood. Not much is written about the time between the visit with the wisemen and the journey to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old. Out of curiosity, we wonder what it would have been like to raise the Son of God. We imagine Jesus playing with his brothers, watching his father build things with wood or cuddling up beside the fire with his mother after a long day. Most likely, Jesus had a pretty normal childhood.

Luke describes Jesus as a healthy and strong child, filled with wisdom and favored by God. Each year he would go to Jerusalem with his parents for the Passover festival. When he was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph realized that he was not with the rest of their group traveling back home from the city. They turned around and headed back to Jerusalem to look for him there.

Have you ever lost your child, even for just a minute? The feeling that surges through you is far beyond what the word “panic” describes. This must have been how Mary was feeling that day as she looked for her son — the son she knew belonged to God and yet was very much her little boy. I know the fear of a few seconds of being unable to find my daughter, but I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Mary to endure three days of searching for her son. Did she sleep at night? How many “what if” scenarios played through her mind from the time she confirmed Jesus was missing until the moment they found him in the Temple. How relieved she must have been when she found him!

The bible says Mary and Joseph did not know what to think (NLT); they were amazed (KJV) or astonished (NIV). The Greek word used to describe the reaction of Joseph and Mary is “ekpletto” — to knock someone out of their senses, to strike with astonishment or perhaps terror or admiration. If there had been social media in those days, Joseph might have posted — I cannot find my son! #ekpletto

After an exhausting three day search for their son, Joseph and Mary walked into the temple and found Jesus not just sitting among the Jewish teachers but listening intently to them, asking questions and then responding with his own understanding and answers. Yes, I am guessing the word “ekpletto” would be the proper description of the reaction of more than just Joseph and Mary that day.

His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant. – Luke 2:48-50

Jesus was drawn to His Father; he had a heart connection with God. Just as I can relate to Mary in this passage, I can also relate to Jesus. I love those moments when my heart is pulled so strongly toward God that I cannot get enough of Him. I love those moments when I am surrounded by His presence with no desire to ever be separated from Him.

I MUST BE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE.

My prayer this morning is that we will all experience a strong pull toward God as we end one year and begin another. I pray that our time alone with God draws us like a strong magnet as we run into His presence each day. I pray that this weekend we do not anticipate just another Sunday morning worship time, but that we rush into His sanctuary with the spirit of I must be in my Father’s house! Let us respond to God’s invitation to spend time with him today without resistance.

Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. – Luke 2:51-52

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:1-20, Psalm 91

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared among them and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:8-12

Have you ever wondered why God chose shepherds? Why did God choose this group to be the first visitors to the Messiah? I wonder if they had the same response we often have when the Lord chooses to bless us with an opportunity.

WHY ME? OUT OF EVERYONE YOU COULD HAVE GIVEN THIS OPPORTUNITY, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ME?

I am not the smartest or the funniest or the most attractive, and definitely not the most talented. Why choose me to be a part of this big plan? I am far from perfect. I have definitely made my share of bad decisions; I have spoken words I immediately regretted, yet you love me and have a plan for my life. You fill my life with moments and opportunities I do not deserve. In fact, even as I acknowledge this, I feel fear creeping in.

“They were terrified.”

Do you know what it is to be scared to death of God’s plan? There are moments in our life, like this one the shepherds experienced, when we do not fully understand what is happening or what God’s bigger plan is. Our response is fear; yet God calls us to trust Him.

“Don’t be afraid!”

Trust me, even when it means not understanding.
Trust me, even when you are overwhelmed.
Trust me, even when the path ahead is blurry.
Trust me, even when the future is unknown.

“I bring you good news.”

I have good things ahead for you. There is no need to be scared, no need to worry. This new thing, this change in your life, is a good thing. You may not see it now, but trust me and do not be afraid. You are not alone; I am with you.

“And you will recognize him…”

I’m not going to hide from you. Seek me with all your heart and you will find me. Look around and you will see evidence of my hands all around you. If you take the time to watch and listen, you will recognize me and you will hear from me. Hear me say this one more time — You are not alone; I am with you.

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heavens,and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:13-14

Lord, we praise you. You are Almighty and you are wonderful! To you be ALL the glory!!! From the humblest of hearts to the highest heaven, may your glory be seen and recognized. Thank you, King Jesus, for the peace you allow us to experience each day. May you look down on us today and be pleased with our worship! Amen.

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. – Luke 2:16

They did not hesitate, they did not pause. They did not go around asking for advice. They had heard from God and they hurried to do what He had told them to do. Because of this response, they did not miss out on what God had for them. And oh what a wonderful experience God had for them, what a good thing!

After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. – Luke 2:17-20

Do not be afraid. Trust God and experience all the good things He has for you this year. When you hear from him, hurry to where He is calling you. Do not hesitate. Do not pause. You will never be the same if you obediently answer His call. Then tell the story of His faithfulness.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him. – Psalm 91:1-2

Today’s Reading: Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 27

Have you ever set out to do something, but lost track of what you were doing? Have you ever found yourself distracted by something while you were trying to accomplish a task? Have you ever made a trip to the grocery store to buy something and came back with ten other items, forgetting the item you set out to purchase? Have you ever walked across your house and then became so entranced in a different thought that you could not remember what you came into the room to do?

We live such busy lives that it is incredibly easy to become distracted or to lose course. Life becomes routine and we start going through the motions, forgetting what life is really about or what is most important. In fact, Sunday mornings can become so routine that even church becomes about something other than giving God our worship.

GIVE GOD YOUR FOCUS

God wants us to purposefully focus on Him every day, to live our lives with our eyes fixed on Him. Every day of our lives can become about how we worship our King — how we spend time seeking Him and entering into His presence to give Him praise.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:1-2

We have come to worship him. What a great reminder for me to check my intent when I enter into my quiet time or go to a service at church. I must admit that there are a lot of weeks when I find myself going through the motions instead of sincerely entering into God’s presence to worship Him. When I wake up, grab a cup of coffee and open my Bible, it would be helpful to pause and consider that this time is not about me but about Him. When I walk into the Church, it is not about the people I get to see, or whether or not I am going to like the song selection. I am there to worship God and to learn.

DISTRACTED ALONG THE WAY

The wisemen could have easily been distracted on their journey. The wisemen came to Jerusalem intently looking for the King of the Jews. This was not something they were doing halfheartedly. They had spent years studying for this journey and their hearts were committed to this search. But there was one who tried hard to distract them — to make this search about him instead of about the newborn King.

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him…Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I may go and worship him.” – Matthew 2:3-8

This was the moment when the purpose for their search could have changed. This is the person who could have distracted the wisemen from their calling. This is the time in which their quest could have become about earthly success or acclaim, but the wisemen stayed focused on their original purpose — to find and worship the King of all Kings.

After they heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. – Matthew 2:9-11a

The Message says the wisemen were overcome when they saw Jesus; the New Living Translation says they were filled with joy. When we enter into God’s house, we can experience what it means to be overcome with joy. When we enter into His presence during our daily quiet time, we can authentically worship Jesus. We can empty ourselves of all that we are and offer Him everything we have to give. We can bow before our Savior, open up our hearts to Him, and sincerely worship Him.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. – Matthew 2:11b

THE GIFT OF YOUR ATTENTION

What gift can you offer to Jesus today? I can tell you what gift He wants. He wants YOU – all of you, focused on Him and entering into His presence sincerely intent on worshiping Him. Oh how I need that this morning! I want to cherish this quiet start to my morning and rest in His Word undistracted — to soak in the presence of Jesus and allow God to make today exactly what He wants it to be.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:7-8

Today’s Reading: John 1:1-18

Jesus: My Savior, my Redeemer, my LIFE.
Jesus: My Counselor, my Comforter, my LIGHT.
Jesus: My King, my Best Friend, my LOVE.

LIFE, LIGHT and LOVE — three powerful words that describe our Lord and Savior. We are able to experience these three gifts because of the presence of Christ in our life, the presence of the Word.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave LIFE to everything that was created, and his life brought LIGHT to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. – John 1:1-5

JESUS, THE WORD, GIVES US LIFE.

He was there in the beginning when life was created. In fact, all life was created through Him because he is the One who gave life to everything that was created. We would not be here, we would not experience physical life, if it were not for Jesus — the Word. But we would also not experience a rebirth or a second gift of life if it were not for him. We experience new life in God when we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross. When we see the part we played in his death and believe that he rose from the dead, we accept that Jesus is the pathway to life. We experience a new life because of the One who gave life to everything. Jesus, the One who gave us life, is the way to life (John 14:6).

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. – John 1:9-13

JESUS, THE WORD, GIVES US LIGHT.

Just as God spoke light into existence at creation, Jesus brought light when he came into the world he had created. Jesus came into a world that had been darkened by sin in order to cast his light into the world he created. We come to know the God who created us through the Son who died for us, and then we have the extraordinary blessing of His Spirit living within us. Jesus, the One who gave us light, is the light (John 8:12).

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. – John 1:18

I am so thankful that the light of Jesus led me to an understanding of God’s plan for my life. His light shines in the darkness so that we can see beyond the sinful options of this world and see the difference He can make in our lives. The same God who created light in the beginning, when all was dark, is the God who sent the Word to become the light of the world. His light shines brightly in the lives of those around us, giving us hope for our own salvation.

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6

In what ways can we choose to walk in the light today? There is so much darkness around us — in the news, politics, social media, and in the hearts of those we meet. With this darkness comes loneliness, grief, hopelessness, and pain. The One who created light has a plan to be the light in our lives for those who are hurting. This changes the way we see our day. Is this just another day or is this the opportunity to let His holiness shine in our lives? Today is the day to bring hope to everyone we come in contact with.

JESUS, THE WORD, GIVES US LOVE.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing LOVE and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. – John 1:14

When Jesus entered the world of darkness, he gave us blessing after blessing from the abundance of his love. Before this time, God’s people had experienced the love of their Creator, but it was through the gift of His Son that God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came down so close they could see it!

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. – John 1:16-17

What a gift we were given when the Word took on flesh! As we study the life of Jesus, we come to a better understanding of who God is. The manger scene displays the evidence of God’s love. The sacrifice of Jesus gives us perspective of just how much God loves us. His love for us is revealed in the gift of His Son. Jesus, the One who taught us how to love, displayed his love on the cross (1 John 4:10).

Life, light and love — we will experience all three of these today but it is our choice whether or not we acknowledge the presence of these gifts in our life. Today I can choose to recognize God’s blessings in my life that overflow from the abundance of His unfailing love and faithfulness, or I can focus on the loud cries of the darkness that try hard to extinguish these gifts of life, light and love.

Jesus, we recognize you this Christmas morning as the Giver of Life. We thank you for each day you give us to experience life with our family and friends, and we praise you for the opportunity to experience new life by walking in fellowship with you. You are the way to life, you are the truth that guides our life, and you are the source of life itself. Help us to show joy and cast hope into the lives of others. May the words of our mouths and the brightness of our hearts help someone else see you today. Jesus, we choose to walk in your light and shine for others, just as you are shining for us. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 2:1-12; Psalm 150

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:1-2

WE SAW AND SO WE CAME.

The Magi arrived in Jerusalem seeking the promised Messiah. They had been studying the sky and so they knew the meaning behind the bright star. The wisemen had left their homes and traveled a long distance in order to personally greet the King of the Jews. Each step they took towards Bethlehem got them closer to meeting Jesus face to face — the One who would become the Savior of the world.

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” – Matthew 2:3-6

Perhaps King Herod was struggling with what today we call imposter syndrome. He knew that the Romans had taken over the land of the Jews, and he did not like the idea of having the rightful king show up and claim the throne. He needed to figure out what the wisemen were talking about so that he could stop this newborn king before it was too late.

HE WONDERED AND SO HE ASKED.

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” – Matthew 2:7-8

King Herod asked his questions, gathered the information he needed, and then executed his plan to gain access to this little king whose presence threatened his power. He feigned interest, joining the wisemen in their excitement to worship the one the Jews had been anticipating. His jealousy was masked by a pretense of authentic interest.

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! – Matthew 2:9-10

THEY WERE BEING LED AND SO THEY FOLLOWED.

The wise men saw the star in the sky and knew they needed to reach the star in order to arrive at their destination. Day after day, perhaps month after month, they followed this star but it remained out ahead of them. What many would have considered an unreachable dream, these men considered a worthwhile journey. The search for the Christ child was worth their time, it was worth their effort, and it was worth their perseverance. They did not stop until the star stopped. And when their purpose was realized, the wise men were filled with joy. It had not been easy, but it had been worth the search.

THEY WERE AWE OF BABY JESUS AND SO THEY WORSHIPED HIM.

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. – Matthew 2:11-12

When they reached their destination, the wise men bowed before Jesus and began to worship him. Because they had been studying the scriptures, they understood the significance of this moment. They held nothing back as they opened up their most valuable treasures and lavished them upon Jesus. What a beautiful moment of fulfillment! They had been seeking the newborn king and they had found him. They were experiencing this amazing moment because they had made the journey towards Jesus, found the search to be worthwhile, and were willing to endure the difficult days along the way.

WE LONG TO SEE JESUS AND SO WE SEEK HIM.

Where are you on your journey towards Jesus? I hope that 2024 has been a year that has brought you joy as you pursued a covenant relationship with Jesus. This is what you were created for and what Jesus came to earth in order for you to experience. Perhaps this year has not been easy, and perhaps the enemy has tried his best to distract you from the purpose you set out to follow.

Through it all (the grief, the anxiety, the troubles), I hope you have recognized the goodness of God that has daily provided you with direction, the light of Jesus that has shed clarity, and the peace of the Lord that has filled you with joy. May these last few days of 2024 find you grateful for His provision and hopeful for the blessings this next chapter holds.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!…
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150

Today’s Reading: John 12:1-3; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; Psalm 100

Are you ready for Christmas? I have so much more to do — more gifts to buy, stockings to fill, and groceries to buy. I am more than ready to spend time with my family but not quite ready for the celebration. My task list is long and I am feeling all of the pressure of this season of life we are in.

But maybe this is the question I should be answering — Have I prepared my heart for Christmas? Am I leaning into the meaning behind our Christmas celebrations? Is my heart anticipating the worship of the Christ child again this year? Am I ready for the Lord to do something new in my heart and life this Christmas? I do not want to get so caught up in the traditions of the holiday and the preparation for the celebration that I forget the true meaning behind Christmas.

AM I PREPARED FOR CHRISTMAS?

We are only two days from celebrating the birth of Jesus, but let’s fast forward for today to ponder a party that was being thrown for Jesus. Let’s consider a very special family preparing for a very special evening.

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. – John 12:1-2a

Jesus was coming and they were throwing a party! Mary, Martha and Lazarus were preparing for Jesus to come to dinner. The Passover celebration was just days away, but tonight it was about Jesus and all that he had done in their lives. Lazarus had been dead for three days but, with a simple command from Jesus, Lazarus had stood up and walked out of the grave. Their hearts were still exploding with gratitude that their brother was there today to be a part of this special dinner party.

This morning is a great opportunity for us to look back with gratitude on everything Jesus has done for us this year and in previous years. What prayers has He answered; in what ways has He provided for us this year? This remembrance could have the potential to prepare our hearts and minds for all the Lord wants us to experience this Christmas. It will help us get our hearts focused on Jesus.

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. – John 12:3

Here is another way in which Mary was prepared for an evening with Jesus. She had expensive perfume prepared, and her heart was postured to fall at the feet of Jesus and worship him in a way that no one else had done. This gift was not lost on Jesus; he saw the heart of Mary that day.

THE HOUSE WAS FILLED WITH THE FRAGRANCE.

Consider with me the impact you could have on all of your Christmas celebrations over the next few days if your mind is prepared and your heart is postured for worship. What if the house was filled with the presence of Jesus and the fragrance of praise? What if your efforts to keep Jesus in the center of the celebration could have a tremendous impact on your loved ones? What if your worship filled the house with a fragrance that was sweet and beautiful for all to experience?

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? – 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

LET’S ALLOW GOD TO TAKE OUR HEARTS CAPTIVE THIS CHRISTMAS.

Lord, thank you for this reminder to refocus before we get any farther into the Christmas celebrations. Lord, we give you our hearts. Take them captive — may your desires be reflected in ours, and may our actions give you glory. Thank you for the gift of your Son and for the miracle of His birth. We bow down and worship you this morning with shouts of joy and a thankful heart. Amen.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:8-20; Psalm 68

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. – Luke 2:8

They were shepherds doing what shepherds do. It was their job to keep their eye on the flocks, protecting them from thieves and wild animals or simply from wandering away and getting lost. Perhaps the night already felt special because there was a star over Bethlehem that was lighting up the field. It’s possible there was not anything obviously special about these herdsmen, yet their proximity to the birth of Jesus allowed them to experience a night the world would never forget!

THEIR PROXIMITY GAVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. – Luke 2:9

Imagine with me how magnificent it must have been to be surrounded by the glory of the Lord. How amazing would it have been to actually see an angel of the Lord in all his beauty. Yet the shepherds were afraid. This was new. This was unexpected. This was terrifying. They were responding in the same way that many others in scripture responded when they saw an angel for the first time. Perhaps this is why so many of the angel messages in the Bible start with a message of comfort — “Do not be afraid.”

THEIR EXPERIENCE BROUGHT FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:10-12

I love it when someone approaches me asking the question — Do you want to hear some good news? I find myself immediately answering with a “yes”, anticipating just how good this news might be. Many life-giving moments have started with the preface — I have great news for you!

THEIR ANTICIPATION WAS FOLLOWED BY THE CLEAR WAY TO ENCOUNTER THE PROMISED MESSIAH.

I love the clarity with which the angels delivered the message to the shepherds. The shepherds were given everything they needed to know. What happened? The Messiah had been born. When did this happen? Today. Where was he born? In Bethlehem, known as the hometown of David, just as the prophets had foretold. How would they know who he was? You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. The shepherds were told everything they needed to know in order to experience the presence of the long-awaited Messiah — the one who would become the Savior of the World.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:13-14

Let’s stop and picture this moment. Close your eyes and try to visualize a great company of angels. Imagine the sky being filled with the heavenly host. Can you hear the rush of angels’ wings? Can you feel the air swirling around you? Can you hear the magnificence of the angel voices worshiping the Almighty God? It seems to me like a moment I would not wish away, but hope would last forever.

David spoke of a great army of angels bringing good news, an army that caused the enemy armies to scatter and flee (Psalm 68). In his vision, Daniel saw millions of angels ministering to the Ancient One and many millions attending to Him as He sat on the throne to judge (Daniel 7). Angels came to attend to Jesus after he had been tempted in the desert (Matthew 4), and an angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers after King Hezekiah laid out before the Lord a threatening letter he had received from his enemies (2 Kings 19).

But on the night that Jesus was born, the angels came with a message. They were there to make sure these shepherds heard the good news about Jesus. They came rejoicing over the birth of God’s Son, praising God and celebrating this moment that held such great significance. Just as the shepherds were watching over their flocks, the angels were watching over the Lamb of God.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:15

THEIR EXCITEMENT LED THEM TO THE PLACE WHERE THE CHRIST CHILD HAD BEEN BORN.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. – Luke 2:16-20

Jesus, we celebrate your wondrous birth. Our hearts are exploding with gratitude for your willingness to come near so that you could make a way for us to experience salvation. Like Mary, we want to take time to treasure up all these things and ponder them in our hearts. As we anticipate spending time with our loved ones this week, we thank you for the opportunity to spend time in your presence this morning. Thank you for a love so amazing that you became Immanual — God with us. We love you! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:1-14

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. – Luke 2:1-3

In this next passage, we see Joseph doing his best to prepare for the birth of Jesus. It would have been great if they could have been in their own home when Mary went into labor; it would have been great if she could have rested on the days leading up to the delivery. But God had a plan and a purpose that was beyond their understanding. Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem, not Nazareth.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel,
whose origins are in the distant past,
will come from you on my behalf. – Micah 5:2

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, THE SON OF GOD WILL COME FROM YOU.

Like everyone else, Joseph was obligated to go to Bethlehem to register for the census. Caesar had decreed it and so Joseph complied. Because he was from the line of David, he and Mary needed to go to Bethlehem to register. We often picture the two of them traveling alone, but both of their families were from the line of David so it makes sense that they would have traveled with a group of family members. It would have been a difficult journey, especially for a pregnant woman, and it makes sense that it would not have been safe to travel alone.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. – Luke 2:4-5

You will remember from the genealogy of Jesus that Joseph was a descendant of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth (Matthew 1:5). Naomi was from Bethlehem and returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, after her husband and sons died. After Boaz married Ruth and they had a son (Obed), the people of Bethlehem rejoiced.

Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.” – Ruth 4:11

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, YOUR STORY CONTINUES FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

We see Bethlehem again in the story of David. The Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king. After considering all of Jesse’s boys, God made it clear to Samuel that it was David he was calling to lead His people.

So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. – 1 Samuel 16:13a

In the same village where David was anointed king, the King of David was born.
In the same place where the youngest son of Jesse was considered the least of his brothers, the baby Jesus was born in the least likely way.
In the same town where Boaz exercised his right as the family redeemer and married Ruth, our Redeemer was born so that we could be forgiven of our sins.
In the city known as the House of Bread, the Bread of Life arrived so that we would never hunger again.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:6-7

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, A STAR IS SHINING BRIGHTLY ABOVE YOU.

With all of the tribe of Judah making their way to Bethlehem, it makes sense that things were a little crowded by the time they arrived. Most likely they had family in Bethlehem and were outside in the area of the home where the animals bedded down for the night because the house was already full. If this were the case, I can just imagine the excitement among the relatives that Mary’s baby was choosing that night to arrive. Or perhaps they were all asleep when Jesus entered into the world.

There is so much we do not know about the night Jesus was born. It’s easy to make reasonable assumptions — Mary rode on a donkey, Jesus was born in a stable, there were animals surrounding them, they were alone until the shepherds arrived. Maybe our nativity scene is missing some of the pieces, or maybe that’s exactly how it took place. What we know with confidence is that Jesus was the Son of God, and he came to this earth exactly as planned yet nothing like expected.

As we read the Christmas story this week, our hearts will once again focus on the beauty of the birth of Christ. From the moment the angel appeared to Mary, to the moment the angels appeared to the shepherds, God was working out His plan of salvation on our behalf. And God is still at work in our lives today, showing up in unexpected ways and in His perfect timing. Today let’s join the angels in singing:

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:14

Today’s Reading: Mark 1:1-8; Luke 1:67-80

Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on those events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. – Luke 1:65-67

WHAT WILL THIS CHILD TURN OUT TO BE?

As a mother, my heart is stirred by this question because it is a question I have often pondered about my own daughters. Don’t we all wonder what will become of our children and grandchildren when they grow up? What career will they have? Will they be successful? Most of all, will they be happy? Will the Lord bless them with a family of their own? Will the Lord be glorified through their lives? Again today, I find myself wondering what God has planned for the beautiful young women who call me “Mom”, and I pray that today’s experiences will prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Zechariah spoke a blessing over his newborn son: “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” – Luke 1:76-79

Daily we have the opportunity to speak blessings on our children — whether they are small enough to crawl into our laps, old enough to ask for the keys to the car, or grown enough to have a home of their own. Our children need to hear that we believe in them and in God’s plan for their lives. Our role as parents never ends. We can still be the one to pray over them, asking for God’s blessings and protection.

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” – Mark 1:1-8

HE ATE WHAT?!

What happens when we struggle to understand the decisions our children are making or the road they are choosing? I wonder how Zechariah and Elizabeth reacted when they heard their son was living in the wilderness. Did they worry? Were they surprised at the details of how his ministry was rolling out?

I can easily see how parents could go from being the cheerleader to the voice of doubt. How easily we can get an idea in our head of what our children should do and then end up being a discouragement to them. That’s not who I want to be; I want to be their biggest cheerleader and most faithful prayer warrior. I pray that I continually point them back to God with words like, “As long as you are doing what God has asked you to do” or “Just keep listening to God and following Him and I’ll be here no matter what.”

Perhaps we should look for an opportunity this Christmas to tell the young people in our lives how much we believe in them and in the plan God has for them. Make sure they know God can use them in a powerful way wherever He places them and whatever He asks them to do. Maybe we should look for opportunities every day to essentially say…

YOU DID IT! GREAT JOB! I’M PROUD OF YOU.

Lord, give me wisdom. Parenting is not always easy but it is such an honor and a blessing, and I would not trade it for anything in the world! Thank you for the privilege of this responsibility. I am grateful for all of the young people in my life. Heavenly Father, guide me and teach me what to say and when to say it. May I always be a source of encouragement and a positive voice in the heart of each of my family members and friends.

“Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:
‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.” – Numbers 6:23-27

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:67-80; Psalm 71, 75 & 107

What came of Zechariah’s period of silence? Now that he knew what it was like to be unable to communicate, how did his new appreciation for words impact what he chose to say? Zechariah had more than nine months to consider what God was telling him through the angel Gabriel. A new wisdom and understanding was birthed from this time of quiet. Just as his son was born filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah was also filled with the Holy Spirit, and he began to prophesy. He spoke of the coming Messiah, as well as speaking purpose over his newborn son.

HIS TIME OF SILENCE WAS A GREAT TIME TO EMPTY HIMSELF OF ALL THAT WAS ZECHARIAH SO THAT HE COULD BE FILLED WITH ALL THAT WAS GOD.

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.
Now we will be saved from our enemies
and from all who hate us.
He has been merciful to our ancestors
by remembering his sacred covenant—
the covenant he swore with an oath
to our ancestor Abraham.
We have been rescued from our enemies
so we can serve God without fear,
in holiness and righteousness
for as long as we live.
“And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.” – Luke 1:68-79

I love the picture of Zechariah smiling down at his newborn son and speaking these tender words of purpose. There have been many moments in my life when someone took the time to speak words of encouragement over me. I can look back at some pretty pivotal moments when someone I highly respected spoke purpose into my life and the impact was powerful.

Perhaps the Lord will give us a moment like that today — a moment when we can speak into the life of a student, friend or coworker. Perhaps you have a family member who needs you to break the silence today and let them know you see the potential of who God created them to be.

SPEAK HOPE. SPEAK TRUTH. SPEAK LIFE.

O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me. – Psalm 71:17-18

When we speak truth over the life of someone else, we break the power of the enemy’s words. We fight against the negativity and lies that have become the soundtrack of their life, replacing it with songs of hope and truth. When the Lord gives us words of encouragement to share with someone else but we choose to remain silent, the enemy wins and we lose the opportunity to make an impact.

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly.” – Psalm 75:9-10

Let’s be intentional with our day — intentional to be heard by someone else, but also to hear from God. Today could get pretty hectic, busy, chaotic and loud for us. Let’s refuse to make so much noise that we cannot hear God’s still small voice speaking of His purpose for our day. Let’s bow quietly before Him and pray for a new wisdom and understanding, a new and fresh in-filling of the Spirit. Then, when we hear from Him, let’s choose to remain quiet and ponder His words, allowing Him to guide us down the path of peace.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. – Psalm 107:1-2