2020 Daily Devotion - Day 262

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Years ago, an interesting sign was seen hanging in a store window during the Christmas season. The original message stated, “Let’s make this the best Christmas ever.” Underneath, some perceptive person had scribbled a legitimate question, “How will we top the first one?”

Isn’t that the truth? We might spend more money on Christmas than we ever have. In addition, we might have family with us who we haven’t seen in years. We might be putting up the largest tree we have ever had and do other amazing things to make it “the best Christmas ever”. However, we can never do more than what was done for us on the first Christmas. God Himself took on human flesh and came into our very broken world to rescue us. Nothing could be greater. So, it is essential for us to remain focused on the reason for the season. Jesus Christ, the Savior, came into the world to redeem us.

Matthew 1:18-25 NRSV
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, thank You for coming to be with us. The first Christmas teaches us You entered the world to rescue us, and all the celebrations are simply reminders of this great truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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