Luke 2:18
“And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”
 
The Gospel fills hearts with wonder.
When the Shepherds made known abroad what had taken place, those that heard the Good News wondered at what they were told.
 
The Saviour was born as a baby in a stable instead of a palace.
The Angels told shepherds instead of kings.
Jesus was born of a virgin, as the Son of God.
He was born to die.
 
Matthew 1:21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
 
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
 
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
 
Romans 10:9
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
 
If we only wonder at the Gospel instead of believing, we have missed out on the Gift.
 
Romans 10:13-14
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
 
If the Shepherds kept the news to themselves, how would people have heard?
In order for someone to hear it, someone has to tell it.
 
Romans 10:17
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
 
Tell the Good News of the Gospel so that someone will hear today, and every day.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Micah 5-7   |    Psalm 141

Luke 2:16-17
“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”
 
After the shepherds found Jesus lying in a manger just as the angel had said, they went to tell others what they had seen.
 
They were the first evangelists.
 
The “saying” which they were told concerning Him was that He was Christ the Lord.
 
The Lord had made it known unto them, and now it was their turn to go and tell.
 
Every believer has the same responsibility.
 
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
 
Mark 16:15
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
 
If the Great Commission seems like a daunting task, rest in the Truth that He will empower us to be a Light for Him.
 
Acts 1:8
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
 
We can make known abroad the Gospel of Jesus Christ through His power.
Make Him known today, and every day.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Micah 1-4   |    Psalm 140

Luke 2:15
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”
 
Sometimes, people try to talk us out of going where we know we need to go.
Sometimes, we ever talk ourselves out of doing what we know is right. 
Sometimes, we find the faith to go…no matter the cost.
 
Psalm 111:2
“The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.”
 
For the shepherds that night, their steps of faith led them straight to the One Who was, and is, the Answer to every situation.
 
Instead of questioning if they should go or making excuses of why they shouldn’t, they went in faith knowing for certain Who they would find.
 
“Let us now go”
That is true faith.
 
The Lord had made known unto the shepherds that Jesus the Saviour had come.
They chose to go to where He was.
 
Hebrews 11:8
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
 
Whether or not we know exactly where He is leading, it is simply our responsibility to go in faith.
 
“even unto”
Sometimes He directs us to the most unlikely places, but it is even there that we will find Him providing for our every need.
 
Psalm 139:10
“Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”
 
Even when we do not know the question He is asking of us, we can still choose to follow Him in faith.
 
Isaiah 6:8
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
 
Matthew 16:24
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
Jonah   |    Psalm 139

Luke 2:13-14
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
 
One angel would have been amazing enough, yet suddenly there was a multitude of them praising God together.
 
Psalm 34:3
“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
 
They all said the same thing in unity.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
 
If only every believer would live by this same phrase.
 
The entire purpose of our lives is to glorify Him.
 
Revelation 4:11
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
 
Jesus was born as that baby lying in a manger for the purpose of bringing glory to God.
 
Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
 
He brings peace on earth as the Prince of Peace. 
He brings good will toward men as the mighty God.
 
Luke 18:27
“And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
 
When situations seem impossible, it only leaves opportunity for all the glory to be given to Him.
 
He is Able and willing to do the impossible in our lives if only we are willing to give Him the glory He alone deserves.
 
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
 
How is your life bringing glory to Him?
 
 
Bible Reading:
Obadiah   |    Psalm 138

Luke 2:12
“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
 
The angel told the shepherds of a sign that they would find the Baby, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Jews often require a sign to believe.
 
They were told He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
 
Grave clothes. 
Mary, who had given birth to Him, wrapped Him in clothes that signified His death.
 
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
 
He was lying in a manger, surely where no baby had ever laid before.
Much like His tomb. 
 
His first and last days on earth were spent wrapped with His purpose.
The reason He came was and is always evident. 
 
He did not come so that He could live.
He came so that He could die so that we might have eternal life. 
 
John 3:15
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
 
John 20:31
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
 
Why do we wrap the presents we give to those we love?
Perhaps because the Saviour was wrapped up in the purpose of why He came.
 
1 John 4:10
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
Amos 5-9   |    Psalm 137

Luke 2:11
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
 
In all the world, there is only one Saviour.
He alone is our Deliverer, our Preserver.
 
The shepherds in the field heard “good tidings of great joy” that their Saviour had been born for them. 
 
“For unto you…”
He came for them, and He came for us.
 
1 Timothy 4:10
“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”
 
He was born a Saviour of all men, yet He can only be Saviour effectually to those who choose to place their faith in Him.
 
Luke 1:46-47
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
 
Mary knew that she was carrying her Saviour so that He could be the same for so many others.
 
1 John 4:14
“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”
 
Is He your Saviour today?
How well do you know Him?
 
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
 
Having Him as Saviour should compel us to share with others how they can know Him too.
 
​
Bible Reading:
Amos 1-4   |    Psalm 136

Luke 2:8-10
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
 
Can you imagine what the sky looked like that night? 
 
As ordinary shepherds were abiding in their fields, watching over their flock in the dark hours, suddenly they saw an angel in the sky. But this was not just any angel, it was “the angel of the Lord”.
 
No wonder they were sore afraid.
 
The angel spoke peace to their fearful hearts, and assured them there was “good tidings of great joy”.
 
Those “good tidings” were none other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is Him alone Who brings great joy, and He makes it available to all people.
 
Romans 10:13-14
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
 
The only reason you have heard “good tidings of great joy” is because someone took the time to share the Gospel with you.
 
Romans 10:15
“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
 
Every person who has trusted in the free Gift of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is responsible for sharing the Good News with others. 
 
How else will your friend hear?
How will that family member trust Christ if someone does not tell them?
 
Maybe that someone is you.
 
Share “good tidings of great joy” this Christmas season.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Joel   |    Psalm 135

Luke 2:7
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
 
Rather than dwelling on the innkeeper, consider for a moment…
How much do you let Christ into every area of your life?
 
Every relationship. Every opportunity. Every moment of every day.
 
Too often we want our walk with Him to focus on us. 
What we need. What we want. What we think should happen. 
 
But really, our walk with Him should be all about Him.
 
Yes, He wants to hear from us in prayer. 
 
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.”
 
But if we do all the talking, who is really leading our lives?
 
Maybe we make room for us to talk to Him sometimes…
But how much room do we make for Him to talk to us?
 
How does He talk to us?
 
The Word of God.
In the New Testament, we find out Who is the Word of God.
 
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
 
John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
 
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Word.
He was born into this world as that Baby lying in a manger.
 
He dwells with us today through the Word we hold in our hands.
 
But far too often, we get distracted by the wonder of what we have made Christmas about. And when that happens…we trade the Word for the wonder.
 
Luke 2:7
“…because there was no room for them in the inn.”
 
We cannot “Let Him In” if we are already full.
Are you full of worry, confusion, doubt, ourselves, to-do lists, busyness, etc.
 
We must empty ourselves.
Sometimes, if we are not willing to empty ourselves, He will do it for us through trials and affliction.
 
There is no coincidence that affliction is woven throughout Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible.
 
Psalm 119:71
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
 
The Word of God magnifies Itself throughout the entire chapter.
Nearly every one of the 176 verses has a reference to the Word of God.
 
Psalm 119:11
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
 
hid: to hide, treasure, treasure or store up
in mine heart: inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
 
Every time we open our Bibles, our prayer should be…
Psalm 119:18
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
 
Let Him in today, and every day.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Hosea 13-14   |    Psalm 134

Luke 2:4
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”
 
Mary and Joseph were brought to Bethlehem as a result of the decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
 
God used a politician to orchestrate His perfect plan.
 
It had been prophesied that Christ would be born in Bethlehem.
 
Micah 5:2
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
 
While they were in Bethlehem, the days were accomplished for Mary to give birth to Jesus.
 
The time had come for the purpose of her being highly favoured to come to pass.
 
Her “for such a time as this” moment had arrived.
The work that God had begun in her nine months before was about to be born.
 
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
 
Each of us has been given a divine purpose for our lives. 
 
For Mary, it was to give birth to our Saviour. 
She was the vessel that the Lord chose to bring His Son to dwell among us.
 
At some point, the days will be accomplished for our purpose. 
Will we faint before that day comes?
 
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
 
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
Hosea 10-12   |    Psalm 133

Matthew 2:1-2
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
 
The wise men from the east saw a star they believed to be leading them to Jesus.
 
Every other reference that we find of the “King of the Jews” is spoken during His trial and crucifixion. The wise men were the first to use this title for Him.
 
Many place them within or beside the stable in nativity scenes, however they arrived much later in the Christmas story when Jesus was no longer a baby.
 
Matthew 2:9
“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.”
 
But why were they called wise men?
 
Wisdom begins with a fear of the Lord. 
 
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
 
Perhaps they were called wise men because they already had a healthy fear of Who He is.
 
Matthew 2:10-11
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
 
It is up to us to shine so that others will see their need to come to Him for salvation.
 
2 Peter 1:19
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
 
Many are still seeking Him today, only they have no star to guide them. 
It is wise to shine our Light for Him today, and every day.
 
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
Hosea 7-9   |    Psalm 132