BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. She gave birth to her first son… Luke 2:6-7

Many years ago a baby was born. This was not just any baby, but was God in the flesh. The God who created the universe would come in a helpless form, totally depended on the humans He created. Mary was the chosen one to be the mother. By all indications, she was a good mother, was obedient to the call of God, and carried a heavy weight on her shoulders from the inception to the crucifixion.

Jesus was His earthly name. He cried, needed nourishment, required sleep, played, laughed, learned to turn over, crawl, and walk, and had snuggling loves with His parents. His earthly father taught him carpentry. He came as a normal human with normal needs, yet He was God. He lived His life in Holy perfection. He was tempted, but He knew no sin. There was no evil in Him.

He humbled Himself to die a gruesome death on a cross of shame. He did this for the redemption of mankind. His unfathomable love would coat the world with His precious blood.

As we celebrate Christmas and His birth, we cannot do it without remembering His death, and we cannot remember His death without remembering His resurrection. It started with a plan and a birth. When we believe and come to Him in repentance, we will be born again, not through a womb, but by the spirit.  He yearns for every heart to be released to Him, so that the filth of sin from this world could be cleansed, forgiven, and made new.

If you want a gift that lasts a lifetime and more, give yourself the gift of Christ. Let Him come in and fill you with His goodness. He will help you to live a life that is completely full, abundant, joyful, and peaceful. He will fill your mouth with laughter, your heart with a song, your belly with His word, and your soul with His quenching water. Be good to yourself and open yourself up to Him; His gift of grace is for eternity.

Dear Father and Lord, My words of gratitude are not nearly enough to convey the greatness of your gift to the world. Help me to show that gratitude by being all, doing all, and loving all in your name. Amen