Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Reflect
It’s Christmas Eve! My outdoor lights are blinking. Porch decorations are in place. Presents are wrapped and under the tree. Homemade sweets are on the counter and a hearty meal is baking in the oven. Stockings are hung! Indoor decor carefully and meticulously placed. Holiday cards are in the mail to loved ones and friends. We are ready for Santa!
But wait! That’s not what Christmas is all about. It’s not about all of this – stuff. It’s about a young virgin giving birth to a child, the King of All. It’s about a stable and a manger. It’s about shepherds who had an overwhelming angelic visit from the heavens and traveled to the stable to witness the miracle. It’s about a heavenly star that shone over the stable. It’s about the Good News of Great Joy for all the people. This is what we need to get ready for!
The greatest joy of this season is sharing the message of Jesus with others – “Guess what happened!”, “Did you hear the Good News?” When you share the true meaning of Christmas you experience great joy! Let’s stop celebrating stuff and start celebrating our Savior!
Pray
Lord Jesus, we celebrate Your birth tonight! We are so thankful that You bring salvation to each one of us. May we always be in Your will and filled with Your Great Joy! Through our Savior born in Bethlehem we pray. Amen!
