On this, the 5th day of advent, we remember the Christ Child. Read the full story of Jesus in Luke 1-2.
Rejoice! Worship and give thanks! Long ago, a Child was born, a horn of salvation for us from the house of David. Jesus, the Messiah, God made flesh. For all of us.
Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank You for being clothed in humanity for our benefit. You came because You loved us, will always love us.
Hallelujah! Sing with joy and great adoration!
Let our hearts celebrate the birth of Jesus.
On this, the 3rd day of advent, we take a peek into God’s birth announcement. Luke 2:8-20 gives the full account.
With great exultation, He sent angels to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with shepherds who were out in the fields watching over their flocks.
Even though they had cold and lonely jobs and were considered to be low on the societal scale of popularity, the shepherds were the first ones to see and hear God’s announcement of the birth of His Son. To add icing to the birthday cake, God’s messengers, His angels, filled the sky with the brilliant joy-filled news and praise music!
The shepherds believed the news and rushed to see this Babe lying in a manger. Oh, to believe and seek the Messiah.
Let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
On this, the 2nd day of advent, we celebrate the birth of Christ. Many of us are familiar with the biblical story of the birth of Jesus, but I always love to read it and refresh the details in my mind. Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-7 tell that Joseph and Mary, who was with child at the time, traveled to Bethlehem the town of David, because Joseph was of the house and line of David.
While they were there, the time came for her firstborn son to be born. Because of the census and the crowds, there was no room for them in an inn, so Baby Jesus, God’s one and only Son, was wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a manger.
The Son of God, come to earth as a helpless babe.
Let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Little Naches River area, WA state
Can you feel the joy and excitement when you read this section? I can just imagine the magnificence of the scene! And the heavenly choir! These verses are some of my favorites.
Image by Nancy Violeta Velez; Flickr.com
See more of Nancy’s work here.
Photo by Angie Quantrell
Text taken from Luke 1:67-69 NIV
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
Joy to the world, the LORD is come! Merry Christmas!
Photo by Angie Quantrell
Text taken from Luke 2:8-20 NIV
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
I cannot imagine giving birth in a barn or cave. Alone except for a husband and animals. But God was with Mary and Joseph. Glory to God for announcing the Good News to hearts that were ready to believe.
Photo by Angie Quantrell
Text by God
Love, Laughter, and Life 