Jesus is born – Be Still…

Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Our King

It’s no longer Advent. We have arrived at Christmas, when we celebrate Jesus’ first coming. Merry Christmas! Whether you have read this passage a gazillion times or this is your first time, let the impact of the miracles of that glorious night touch your heart.

The angels declared, “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” This is a story that has God’s fingerprints all over it. The timing was perfect, placing Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. God never said his entrance into the world would be flashy, and the humility played out perfectly. Between the angels and the shepherds, there was no need for a newspaper headline (had there been newspapers back then). What strikes you in this message? Continue reading “Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Our King”

Day 5 ? It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

Clear night sky with stars, fresh snow on some trees beneath

Luke 1:79 tells us why Jesus came. Jesus is “It” who came upon the midnight clear in today’s carol. That reason is “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” I found several “versions” of this song out there with little differences, so because I grew up Lutheran I went with the hymnal version of that (via online source hymnary.org).

Did you take enough time this Christmas season so far to spend honoring the newborn king? I’ve personally delighted in the opportunity to write for you every day and share a bit of my life, my journey. Starting with our Advent series this year, I have been drawn into a closer walk with God. It’s my prayer that’s the same for you.

December 24 ? Joseph’s Story (Matthew 1:18-25)

Read Matthew 1:18-25

figurines of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus with Joseph looking on with love

Obedience. As we await our Immanuel’s return, we should take a hint here from Joseph’s response on how to trust God’s wisdom, even when we might not want to. God chose Mary, but the package included Joseph, too. Joseph was in the line of David. That fact alone gave him priority over others, as Jesus’ earthly father would have to be a descendant of King David.

In my opinion, even more important, Mary’s husband-to-be was a “righteous” man. God wisely chose for Mary a man who could handle being the father of God’s only Son. We’ve been focusing on Mary’s response to the greatest honor imaginable. Joseph was also given an immense privilege. He could have easily just walked away. God knew he wouldn’t.

Luke 2:1-7 – It’s Just the Beginning

Read Luke 2:1-7

Jesus is born. It’s a story we’ve heard many times. I want you to read it again and pretend this is the first time you read the story. There are many people walking around this planet who do not know Jesus, much less how he came to earth. These first few chapters of Luke are pivotal. There is so much wisdom that points to God’s perfect plan to save the world.

God became man, in the form of a little baby. He chose a young virgin betrothed to a man in the line of King David, to fulfill Scripture prophecies. He was born and placed in a manger. Aren’t mangers another word for animal feed trough? Our God was placed in a food bin? The lowliness of his birth is astounding. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-7 – It’s Just the Beginning”