Luke 2:1-20 NAS;
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It is filled with holiday cheer, family gatherings, and presents under the tree. Christmas is also a special time to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and it is a time to give Him thanks for His many blessings in our lives, and for His birth, death, and resurrection. The Bible says in Philippians 2:7 NLT; “Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form.” Jesus Christ chose to give Himself as a living sacrifice. He chose to come to earth, be born a man; take on the sins of mankind and die on the cross that all may receive salvation and live in His divine hope and glory. It is God’s heart that each and every person be reconciled to Him through the acceptance of His Son Jesus Christ. It is only in this acceptance that you can be forgiven of your sins and be made right before your Creator.
When Christ died on the cross and rose again, He had you in mind. God loves all people. He knows each person by name. He has the very hairs on your head numbered. And He knows the specific plan and purpose that He has destined for your life. Just as Jesus Christ had a purpose and a destiny on earth, He has given you a specific purpose in life also. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV says; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Because of Christ’ birth, death, and resurrection you have been given hope and a future. It does not matter who you are, what you have done, or what you may believe about yourself. God loves you; and He desires for you to know Him as your Heavenly Father and as your Savior. He is reaching out to you in this very moment. Reach out and take His hand. Allow Him access to your heart and to your life. He will not fail you or let you down. He will stand with you through every trial and be there through every dark moment. He truly is The Hope of Glory!
If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior; or if you would like to rededicate your life to the Lord, please pray this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I give You my life and I give You my heart. I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I dedicate my life to You; and I ask You to be my personal Lord and Savior. I commit from this day forward to serve You and to live for You; and I ask that You would reveal Your plan and purpose for my life. I ask that You by Your power and presence would touch my life and reveal Yourself to me in a greater way. I thank You for this and for Your many blessings. I thank You for Your birth; and for Your death and resurrection. I thank You that from this day forward my life will never be the same again.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen
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