In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:1-7 NIV)
No breaks. The decree could not have come at a worse time. Mary was in the last days of her pregnancy. The 70-mile trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem over rough terrain was challenging to say the least. They arrived just in time.
No room. Joseph and Mary were not the only ones who made the trip to register. The city was swarming with people. Every possible place to sleep was taken. They settled for a barn.
No advantages. Jesus was born in a little village to an unwed mother from a backwoods town and placed in a feeding bin. The word was out that he was an illegitimate child. Not quite the start you'd expect for a king.
God tiptoed quietly into humanity. The Creator in a cradle. The Wonderful Counselor wrapped in cloths. The Mighty God placed in a manger. The Everlasting Father in flesh. The Prince of Peace in a world of sin. Nevertheless, Jesus came as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. On the cross he paid sin's penalty. He bought us back from sin's slavery. He freed us from sin's prison.
Now, here's the question: Have you trusted in Jesus Christ alone as the Lamb of God who paid the penalty for your sins? Have you trusted in Jesus as the only one who can place you into an eternal relationship with God? You can't save yourself. Only Jesus can save you. Trust him completely to take you through this life and one day carry you home.
Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for sending him for us. Help us to celebrate Christmas every day knowing that the greatest gift we can give others is him. In his name we pray. Amen.
The Holy Holidays - goTandem"His Peace"
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (Romans 5:1)
How have we been "made right"?
How can you share this peace in day-to-day situations?
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