So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. Luke 2:6 NKJV
Though God had spoken to them both and they understood that this child that Mary carried in her womb was a miracle, Mary and Joseph, didn’t know what day He would arrive. If they had, don’t you think they would have left a week earlier! In the same way, God often chooses times and methods that we do not expect or understand, and yet through all those days we can trust that every day is the day that the Lord has made…. we can rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24). Today’s video is the massage that the Holy Spirit has put on my heart for this Christmas, and I pray that it might be a tool of His to minister His grace to your hearts, no matter what you are facing this year.
After finishing, “A Christmas Star” last season, I thought that beyond a bit of editorial brushing up, it would be the last Christmas devotional that I would write. However; around June, God began stirring my heart to put pen to paper once again, While at first I inwardly groaned, knowing how much work lay ahead, I nevertheless prayerfully began writing and day by day, page by page, A new book began taking shape.
A Christmas Treasury begins with a week of looking at how our Christmas carols have sung to us the stories of the birth of Jesus over the centuries and from around the world. Week two dives into the Gospel of John. We rarely expect to find stories about the birth of Jesus there yet hidden between its lines lie treasures just waiting to be discovered. Week three follows the journeys of the wise men, the shepherds, and Mary and Joseph as well as Jesus; the one who had come the farthest of all! Finally, in week four I walk with you down memory lane, sharing some of our family’s personal Christmas memories. Now of course, as always, you will find a space at the end of this year’s devotional, to use as a journal for recording your own treasured memories, lessons or Bible stories. Taking just a few minutes to write your stories down will give others the chance to laugh, cry and remember the Christ treasures that God has given you. But the beauty of Christmas, is about more than a cultural extravaganza or even lovely memories of time with our families. It is the timeless story of God’s amazing love to the world. Though it is more ancient than time itself and deeper that the farthest regions of the universe, God packaged his gift in swaddling clothes, so even the simplest of hearts could receive it!
Saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14 ESV
As Jesus neared Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, it seemed that the world finally understood why He came. But it was not to be and Jesus wept because in the.midst of apparent triumph, He could see could see the cross just ahead and the destruction of Jerusalem in the not too distant future.
And yet for just that single moment the message that the angels had once told the shepherds echoed in the hearts and on the lips of those who loved Him. The same is true in our world this Christmas Eve. With bombs falling in Ukraine and churches burning in Nigeria, it might seem that peace on earth is never to be. Yet in the hearts of those who have not only run to the manger, but have come to love Him, there is a heavenly echo of all that God intends to be one day. Just as surely as the sun will rise this morning, Jesus will return one day. He will sit on David’s throne and all the world will bow before Him. Then the true peace of Heaven will rule and the glory in the highest will shine on us forever. Merry Christmas everybody! May God bless us today with an echo of all He has for those who love Him and rejoice in Him no matter what is happening in our lives. Glory to God who is in the highest and who reigns above it all!
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