The virgin conception of Jesus was miraculous. But the lack of details given to the actual birth could leave the appearance of ordinary. The eternal Son of God being born as human happened quietly and they laid him in a manger.
“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: 7 (ESV)
Perhaps as you seek to know Christ more, you need direction for a specific leg of your journey! You’ve done all you know to do and don’t know which way to go next.
Corrie, a 96-year-old family friend lives in North Carolina. For years she has resided in the same facility with a woman who would roll up in her wheelchair next to her and not speak. Recently, the Lord impressed upon Corrie to tell her silent (not so friendly) friend about Jesus. So she asked, “Do you know where you are going when you die?” She answered, “Yes, my daughter is having me cremated.”
After the birth of Jesus God sent an angel to appear to the shepherds in the field.
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. Luke 2: 8-11
Of all the people God could have chosen to share the good news of Christ’s birth He sent an angel to appear to shepherds. I’m so glad He chooses to use ordinary people. He meets us right where we are in the fields of our everyday life and allows us to share in His good news!
I received a phone call in the middle of the night! My daughter was in labor. If I was going to make it to Nashville in time to witness the birth of my third grand child, I would need to get out of bed and go. I was 30 minutes away when she called again. You won’t believe what she said! Read more
This year, will you be traveling for Christmas?
Many years ago, there was a decree requiring the head of each family to register. Joseph & Mary chose to journey together to Bethlehem even though Mary was not required to make the journey. They would have been well aware of the soon to come birth.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. Luke 2: 4 (NKJV)
Do you like to eat leftover Christmas food? Can you imagine if you had to eat leftover Christmas food EVERY meal for 40 years?
After years of wilderness wandering God led the people to the boarder of the Promised Land and instructed them to “go in and take possession” (Joshua 1:11)
It’s very important that we not miss what happened concerning their food after they obeyed!
It’s challenging to attend a Christmas celebration with all the food options and not walk away overly satisfied. Consider the full belly you will have when you pull away from the Christmas table. Some of you are so family rich you may experience multiple Christmas tables. Now ask yourself, “Am I spiritually satisfied?” Have I fed well on spiritual food? Have I indulged in God’s Word?” Do you ever tell yourself, “This is the last bite!” as you discipline yourself to stop feasting on God’s Word?
As Christmas day comes near, I begin to anticipate the end of the year. Looking at the year past and the year ahead brings excitement. What does the Lord have planned for 2018? I’m not naïve in thinking it will be all cupcakes and roses. (Although, I hope those are involved too.) I realize there will likely be hardships and struggles. But I’m still deliberate about setting goals and dreaming about the year ahead. I heard Christy Wright say “Your dreams should be so big that if God’s not in it, you’ll fail.” I want my dreams to be so big that only God can receive the glory.
What do you want me to do for you?
As Christmas draws close, I am feeling pressure to complete my gift buying. I asked a few people on my list what they would like. Some of them were very helpful in providing a specific list but others offered very little assistance.
This experience caused me to consider, “How specific am I in my prayer requests?
Throughout the Christmas story we see a human dependence on God expressed through prayer. Zechariah prayed, while all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Mary prayed through song. Anna never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Jesus, the main character of Christmas is known for His extended times in prayer.
Many years after the manger, as Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man sitting by the roadside called out, “Jesus Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38) Jesus’s reply is very interesting! ““What do you want me to do for you?” ” (vs 41) Jesus asked him to be specific in his request! “Lord, I want to see,” he replied.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”
I asked those on my Christmas gift list for specific gift ideas because I wanted to bless them. Jesus wants us to be specific in our prayers because He desires to bless us. When the blind man immediately received his sight, he “followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.” (vs 43)
When we are blessed through answered prayers, our response is to follow and praise Him, and when others see it, they also praise God. God is glorified through answered prayers.
Consider how you can be more specific in your own prayers and be ready to give God full praise should He answer your specific request! We may not receive the answer we hope for but oh how praise worthy is the Father whom we ask!
Copyright©2017, Gloria Stucky
EDITED – Originally written for Immanuel Baptist Church 2016