Today's Scripture
One Year Bible Daily Reading – Nehemiah 12-13; Luke 21:1-19
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. 2 This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. 3 Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. 4 Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. 5 He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.
8 Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. 9 The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. 11 Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. 12 This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, 14 “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”
15 When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” 16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. 18 Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. 20 The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Contributed by Fred Sistler
Tax time. Time for the Jews to give money to people they did not trust for things they did not want. To make it worse, the Jews had to return to the homes of their forefathers to register. Where is the good in that? God saw something very different and very good. He saw the fulfillment of his plan. Man could do what he chose, but God would accomplish his purposes. His holy gift, his Son, Christ the Lord, the Savior, God in the flesh, was coming to open the way for all people to come to their Creator. The hosts of heaven had to join the celebration. Someone needed to know. They told some peasants. The peasants went to a stable and saw Jesus, then returned to their fields glorifying and praising God. How could they not? Look closely. What do you see around you? Not everyone sees. Some only see what is happening; things that leave them frustrated and angry and helpless. Others sense an undercurrent of something far greater. Something that cannot and will not be stopped. Something that is almost hidden but doing something wonderful. Jesus is still here. Some see Jesus through the eyes of the world. May we see the world through the eyes of Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, when we feel helpless and overwhelmed, reassure us that You really are in control. When we see the worst, please give us a glimpse of who You are and remind us that Your purposes will always be accomplished. We want to trust You. We want to praise You and worship You because of Your wonderful, joy-filled gift. Our savior is born. He is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest!
In Christ’s name, we pray, Amen.
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