Dec 25 2021

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

In the first chapter of Matthew, we read the story of how Mary and Joseph learned the part they would play in the birth of the Savior of the world. An angel appeared to Mary, and then Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream.

When Joseph first learned that Mary was pregnant, he knew the child could not be his. He and Mary were not married and had not been intimate. So he decided the best thing to do was to leave her—and then the angel paid him a visit.

It would not take much convincing if an angel comes to you and tells you what to do! Joseph was part of God's plan, and God wanted him to be at peace with what was happening.

During times when we are caught off guard, God also wants us to turn to Him. He may not send an angel to visit, but He will always send His peace. There is a measure of faith that is always required in following God's unique plan for our lives.

Joseph still had a choice to make. The angel wasn't forcing him to do anything. And in our own lives, there will undoubtedly be times when God is telling us to do something and we are unsure or afraid. We should allow our faith to overcome our fears and follow what God says.

Dear Lord, I am grateful that you have plans for my life. Sometimes they require that I respond in faith, and that can be hard. But just as Joseph chose to trust you, I pray that you will give me the confidence and courage to trust you no matter what is happening in my life. I don't always have to understand what you are doing, but it is my responsibility to follow what you say. Help me not to doubt that you are with me. Let me feel your peace and presence in my life today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Dec 24 2021

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. :

Many of us have heard the story of Jesus' birth dozens of times. Maybe we even performed in a church Christmas play, acting out the parts of people and animals that were present at His birth. We know that Jesus had an untraditional birth. He was born in an animal stable and placed in a feeding trough known as a manger.

Shepherds were watching their flocks in a neighboring field when angels appeared to them and announced the birth of Jesus. We read in the Book of Luke that the angels told the shepherds to "fear not." The shepherds were most likely terrified to see the sky filled with angels. After all, it was just a typical night for them—or so they thought.

Not only were the shepherds told not to be afraid, but the angels had good news to share with them. So, the shepherds traveled to where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were staying. They came to worship the newborn King, our Savior.

Jesus' birth was a miracle, and the shepherds were invited to be part of it. God could have told anyone, and He chose shepherds. After they saw Jesus, they spread the word about Him to everyone. The Bible says that those who heard about Jesus' birth were amazed.

No matter how many times we may have heard this story, we should still be amazed at God's plan to send Jesus. His birth changed the course of the entire human race and continues to profoundly affect our lives today. Never forget how amazing this story will always be.

Father, I realize that in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy to forget how great the birth of your Son was and the impact it has had on my life. May I never take for granted that Jesus came as a newborn baby, lived, and then died for me. As I celebrate His birth, remind me of the sacrifice He made in His death. Thank you for giving priceless gifts to your children. Just like the shepherds shared the good news, help me to have the same enthusiasm about sharing what you have done in my life. In Jesus' name, amen.


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