This month I felt prompted to read the book of Luke in the New Testament, in preparation for the celebration of Christmas. It is interesting to note that the book of Luke contains 24 chapters. I issued a challenge to our Bible study to read one chapter of Luke each day, and we will complete the book of Luke by December 24th, Christmas Eve. During that time, our reading will cover the foretelling of Christ's birth, His life and ministry, all the way to His death and resurrection.
One of the first accounts of the power of Christ, even before His birth, is described in Luke 1:44-45, “When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed, ‘Blessed are you among women...and blessed is the child you will bear’."
In Luke 2, we are told that there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn, so Jesus was born in a stable, and laid in a manger.
At about the same time of Christ's birth, an angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds watching their sheep in fields during the night. The angel proclaimed the good news that a Savior was born in the town of David and that He was the Messiah. The sign, to prove this event, was that He would be found wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared, 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 left, the shepherds 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 they had been told about the child. All were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." (Luke 2:6-18)
As we recount the miraculous account of Christ's birth, we rejoice at God's great love for us. He loved us so much to send a Savior to die for us and gives us all the opportunity to have reconciliation with God. All we have to do is to confess our sins, place our faith in Him, and begin our life anew.
We are so blessed to have a God who loves us, in spite of our shortcomings and who offers us hope for tomorrow. If you have not already done so, pray to God and ask Him to come into your life. It will be a decision you will never regret!
May God bless you as you seek Him with all your heart this holiday season!