Luke 2:1-5; 8-12 (NLT)
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
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.”
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In those days, people lived in constant fear of the Roman Empire and bloodthirsty King Herod. Every day brought a constant stream of more bad news. It is no wonder the people were waiting so anxiously for the arrival of a Savior, the Messiah.
Today there are many global crises frightening us, leaving millions out of work, in poverty, bankrupt and ill. But we have good news for you: Jesus is still the Savior of the world!
He came under no pretensions. He was born in a humble manger whose only luxuries were the majestic love of his parents and and the pure adoration of lowly shepherds.
With the same powerful unpretentious love, He is more than willing for your heart and home to be His modern-day manger where He can come to dwell today and be with you forever. Receive Him, love Him and adore Him with unrestrained affection and faith. Your life will never be the same.
You may want to pray a prayer something like this: Lord Jesus, during this Christmas season, I welcome You into my life and into my homeas my Savior, my Healer, my Deliverer and my Lord. Let Your peace, Your love, Your joy and Your blessing overflow my life to everyone around me. In Your name I pray, Amen!
Have a blessed day!
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