Devotional

 It’s a story filled with awe and wonder, miraculous signs, singing angels, a brilliant star, and precious gifts from afar.  

 We marvel at the birth of Jesus. His “insignificant” arrival into poverty and despair set in motion God’s beautiful redemption plan for mankind.  

 But if you read closely, there are some hidden “gems” in Christ’s birth story, some truths we don’t always notice at first glance. Here are a few: 

 Forgiveness is for all.  

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit” (Isaiah 11:1–2). 

 Jesus was born into a lineage of sinners. Like King David, “the stump of Jesse,” who murdered an innocent man and committed adultery. God used sinful people to accomplish His purposes, displaying forgiveness in a powerful way!  

 Christ came for all. 

The angels didn’t appear to business leaders or rich landowners. They didn’t light up the night sky and proclaim the birth of Jesus to members of the royal family. Instead, it was humble shepherds — working their “blue collar” job in the fields — who first heard about the birth of Christ.  

 God provides in His time, His way. 

“While they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son … and laid Him in a manger” (Luke 2:6-7). 

 There was nothing ideal about Jesus’ birth. Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem to be counted in the census (she had to be miserable riding on the back of a donkey!). And when they arrived? No clean place to rest. No comforts of home.  

 And yet, God took care of every need in His timing, moving in the hearts of inn keepers and shepherds … fulfilling Scripture’s prophecies concerning the birth of His Son. 

 God controls world leaders and world events. 

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled…. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes … he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born” (Matthew 2:3-4). 

 Herod was jealous. This fact did not surprise or concern God. Even when the wise men went to Herod in search of Jesus. Even when the king set out on a murderous path to find the baby and destroy Him. God’s hand overruled in every twist and turn of the story.  

 Our God, who made the earth, sky, and stars, had a plan — not even an angry king could intervene. 

 

My prayer this week—Thank you for the Christmas story and for your beautiful redemption plan for mankind … for me! Help me always remember that the same God who wove His glorious character and design into the story of Christ’s birth is still on the throne today. Help me trust you, serve you … and share your Gospel with others.