- “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. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” Luke 2:1-21 NIV
After diving into the story of Jesus' birth, I'm curious: what really stands out to you? Personally, I absolutely love the symbolic richness in the gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness.The idea that these treasures still connect us to Yahweh and when the fragrance lingers in your secret place during a divine encounter it is just so powerful. Another heartwarming detail for me is how Adonai, God the Father, showered His only son with gifts right from the start. It paints a beautiful picture of the richness and beauty surrounding the birth of Jesus. What about you? What's your favorite part?
- As you spend time with your love ones, I thank God for your life. THANK YOU,JESUS, THAT YOU ARE READING THIS. THANK YOU JESUS FOR ALLOWING YOU TO ENCOUNTER THE LORD IN A DEEPER AND STRONGER WAY. IT IS TRULY REMARKABLE HOW THE LORD HAS KEPT YOU HERE AND SHOWCASING HIS ABUNDANT MERCY! MAY HIS BLESSINGS OVERFLOW IN YOUR LIFE AND TOUCH ALL THOSE AROUND! MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ALL!
Jesus, Today, I stand in worship, profoundly grateful for your incarnation , a sacrifice made for the redemption of my sins. You've bestowed upon me immeasurable blessings by dwelling in the flesh and later brought forth your Holy Spirit, fostering a meaningful relationship between us. I express my gratitude Lord, for the opportunity to meditate on your boundless goodness and to earnestly seek you. Your grace and mercy are a testament to your greatness, and your many powerful names stand unmatched. Thank you, Jesus, for being the extraordinary God that you are. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.