But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12
Today we celebrate the long-expected promise fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Love was born at Christmas, and there is no greater gift than the joy that comes from knowing that Christ our Savior was born for the forgiveness of our sins. The Good News is that the birth of Jesus brings salvation for all who believe.
How sad though that worldly gifts remain the focus for so many. They miss the joy in the beautiful words of the angel that the Savior is “for all the people.” It may indeed be news that a Savior has been born, but unless you believe in Him as your Savior, it is not good news. Nothing could please Jesus more than to have everyone come to know that He has saved us from the dreadful punishment for sin … and that is exactly what He has done for you.
Our joy is the gift of God Himself born to us, wrapped in cloths and laid in the manger. He is the greatest gift given to all people, and for those who believe, He is the greatest gift received.
Prayer: We give thanks to Thee, O God, with grateful hearts for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We celebrate this day that Jesus, our promised Savior, has come to us in the Word made flesh. Amen.
© 2006 Lutheran Hour Ministries
These devotions have been written by Rev. Paul and Kaye Wolff. Rev. Paul Wolff is a 1996 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has served as a pastor in the Detroit area for 10 years. He and co-author wife, Kaye, live in Southfield, Michigan.
Kaye Dumas Wolff is Chairperson of the Black Ministry Church Planting Task Force and a Mission Affiliate of LCMS World Missions where she serves as a training facilitator for laity in evangelism and mission work. Kaye serves on the Advisory Council of the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and she is a presenter for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Equipping to Share Workshop.
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Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 1-3 Revelation 16
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