Below is a story you are probably familiar with — the story of Jesus’s birth. But sometimes we’re prone to lose the wonder over what is familiar. So today we invite you to pause. Ask God to give you fresh eyes to see and a heart soft and ready to receive a new revelation about the story that changes everything.
The Birth of Jesus
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while[b] Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger,[d] because there was no guest room available for them.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 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, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!
15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:1-20 CSB
Today marks the fourth Sunday in the season of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. We’ve been journeying with these ancient promises for the full season of Advent, and it’s led us here to Christmas Eve. May you experience God’s Word in fresh ways tonight, as we anticipate Christmas morning.
As you consider today’s Scripture reading, we invite you to take a moment to observe, reflect, and respond:
OBSERVE Who is God? What are you learning about God’s character from His promises?
REFLECT Where is God? How is He moving during this busy season?
RESPOND Pray, confess, and give thanks. How will today’s promise from God make your Christmas richer?
Leave a Comment
In Courage,
God is a loving, caring God. He is real & is attentive to our needs,
God is moving me towards a slower paced more intentional Christmas. I listen to “Its about the Cross” & “It’s called Christmas with a Capital C” by Go Fish. Also been tuning in to Chris Tomlin’s Christmas songs. Making sure I hear the words & what they are saying.
Christmas is so much richer now that I’m older & pay more attention to the details of His birth. I ponder things like being 9 months pregnant & riding a donkey long distances. Having a baby in a barn with a chill in the air. No crib but a small manger to lay him in.
Have a blessed Christmas Eve everyone! 🙂
Thank you \0/
God Bless you \0/
Merry Christmas \0/
Who is God? If my human mind were to define God in human terms, He is the ultimate Leader.
As a military spouse, I heard often from my husband that a true leader doesn’t just give commands but leads from the front. A true leader goes into battle with his (or her) troops. A true leader does not expect more of his soldiers than he is willing to give of himself. A true leader is followed because he has earned the respect of those who follow him, not simply because his position requires them to follow.
God lowered Himself into human form, faced the struggles of growing up in a corrupt world. The Creator of the universe chose to be born into the family of little financial means. Jesus, son of Mary and Joseph, a brother and a friend, facing ridicule and opposition but never ceasing to do the Father’s will – Where He leads, I will follow. He knows me. He knows the struggles I face and He faces them with me. He faced them before me. I serve Him alone, not out of fear, but out of reverence.