Your Daily Devotional for December 25, 2009
M@rlene
Christmas is Here!
by Dr. Paul Chappell
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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. 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. 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:1-11
While presents may cause you to be joyous for a time, focusing on Christ's birth will bring eternal joy.
Months of shopping, deal-searching, present-hiding, and careful planning are going to pay off today! For many people, Christmas is the pinnacle of the holiday season. The joy seen on people's faces when they open your gift. The delight around the family table as a scrumptious meal is eaten. The joking and laughter heard between family and friends as they enjoy the merriment of the day. Yet, while most people live this day in celebration of family and friends, remember this day is to be lived in celebration of the Saviour.
Imagine with me that you were present that first "Christmas" morning. There was no grandly decorated tree, no Christmas carols being sung, and no presents to be opened. There wasn't a giant meal being prepared. And there was little holiday cheer as we know it.
Look around and you would've seen animals, dirty animals resting for the night. A makeshift roof would cover your head. Dirty rags would be spread out after they had been used to clean the animals. A feeding trough would be present, and the smell was probably close to unbearable. Yet here is the origin of holiday cheer, here is the beginning of the day we know as Christmas.
As you imagine yourself in that stable, look outside and see a young man and a very pregnant young lady being turned away from the hotel nearby. Notice the disappointment on the man's face, and the anguish on the woman's as she grasps her unborn child. They are weary from traveling and they are searching desperately for a place to rest.
They make their way to the stable for the night in a place where many today would complain about being forced to stay. Yet they make the best of what they are given.
In the middle of the night, while other travelers sleep, this woman begins labor, and gives birth to a perfect baby boy. They both rejoice at the miracle of a birth, not simply a normal birth, but the birth of the King of kings, the Messiah they had long awaited.
This is the true joy of Christmas. While parties and presents may cause you to be joyous for a time, focusing on Christ's birth today will bring eternal joy into your heart.
Take time today to read the Christmas story with your family. Read Luke 2:1-20. Go around to each family member and all name something for which you are thankful today. Amid all the celebration today, make time to focus your family's hearts and minds on the birth of our Saviour, the true meaning of Christmas.
To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.
Daily Bible Reading
Zephaniah | Revelation 16