And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)
Labor. Long, painful contractions, coming closer and closer together. A frantic search for a place to give birth. Is there a midwife? Is there a clean place, any place to lie down? A cloth to lie on. Water, we need water. A light. Confusion. Pushing.
And then a baby's cry. Joy. Voices babbling, excited. Happiness. Where are the swaddling cloths? Nursing for the first time. I'm not sure we're doing this right ... ah yes ... a sleeping baby. An exhausted mother, and a radiant father. A Son is given.
This is the gift God gave the world that first Christmas—a baby, a Son, God Himself come in the flesh to be one of us. The Son of God now made the Son of Man, so that all mankind could become children of God through faith in Him. Through His life, death, and resurrection, God's Son Jesus has made us sons and daughters of the Lord. What a wonderful gift!
WE PRAY: Dear Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What is the best gift you ever received?
* Why?
* Why do you think God came Himself, instead of sending an angel?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 1-3 Revelation 16
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