Friday, December 25, 2015 Read John 1:1-5; 9-14. TEXT: ... and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn (Luke 2:7b).
It wasn't the ideal time or place for Mary's Child-God's Son-to be born into this world. Joseph hadn't had time to establish his carpenter's trade in their new town of Bethlehem; he couldn't even find suitable lodging for his wife and her Child, just a shelter for animals. There was no time even to build a handsome cradle. Jesus would be laid in a manger-a feeding trough for animals.
That hardly seems like a fitting way for God's Son to come into our world. But God's thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways (see Isaiah 55:8). His Son didn't come to a perfect paradise. He came to fix our broken world and mend our broken lives. He came to a world of suffering, loss, hurt and death-and He came to share that suffering, loss, hurt and death.
This Christmas Day may find you in a place you never dreamed you'd be. You may be alone and afraid. Perhaps you're suffering from unemployment or underemployment. Maybe you're sick, dying or grieving the death of a dear loved one.
But Jesus came to share all the worst this life has to bring. He has experienced all the hurt and heartaches we will ever face-and much more. He paid the price for our sins as He hung on the cross. This Christmas Day He's ready and able to handle all your doubts and fears.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself to leave Your throne in heaven and to become one of us. You lived among us, experiencing all the worst things of life that You might cheer and comfort us in all our sufferings. Be with us this special day and fill us with Your joy and peace. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 1-3 Revelation 16
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"