This week's Devotionals brought to you by Prayer Warrior Jon Vasgar.
The Forgotten Birthday
Matthew 1:18- 21 (NKJV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
The thought struck me on Sunday about where our priorities lay on Christmas. I was out buying my Christmas presents (I know, I'm a slacker!) and all around me, others were doing the same. However, in all the stores, I heard Jingle Bells, some rock n roll version of White Christmas, and an awful song about Christmastime in Africa. Not one of these songs mentioned Jesus' birth.
Picture this: It's your birthday. You're super excited. You wake up ready for a party and some gifts, maybe a little cake. As the day wears on, you see lots of people running around planning things and then, they suddenly start saying some fat man in a red suit is responsible for these gifts, and... they aren't giving anything to you! "But, it's MY birthday!" you cry. "It's not fair!" No, it's not fair to be completely ignored on your birthday while the people celebrate over a man who's not even real. Why, they don't even say it's your birthday because some people find your name rather offensive, so they change it to say something stupid. Rather than Happy Birthday, they are saying it's merely a Good Day. You're hurt and rather let down.
Why should it be any different to Jesus? We have completely forgotten why we celebrate Christmas. The closest to a Christian Christmas movie is Charlie Brown. Otherwise, it's Rudolph and Santa, and warm feeling Tim Allen movies. What happened to the little baby born in the manger to save us all from sin's power? The one foretold in Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
He's our Redeemer and we have completely ignored Him. What are we doing? This Christmas, yes be with your family, go see a movie, enjoy the time. But first, why not think abiout WHO we are celebrating? Why not consider the One who came in a lowly stable so we can enjoy the blessing of following Him who loved us first? All He asks is that we acknowledge Him. Is that so hard to do? Seek Jesus first this Christmas.
Prayer: Lord, we come to You in a spirit of love. Thanking You for coming in the form of a man. You didn't mind becoming a servant for us. You willing gave up a mansion for poverty. You gave up everything for us. Thank You. Help us to be more mindful of that this Christmas and every day of the year. It's not Santa who's knows if we've been bad or good, it's You, Lord. Help us to focus on You. Thank You for Your bountiful blessings in our lives. Thank You for loving us so. Let us shine Your light in this Christmas season, remembering You are the real reason for this season. In Jesus' holy name,
AMEN
The Forgotten Birthday
Matthew 1:18- 21 (NKJV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
The thought struck me on Sunday about where our priorities lay on Christmas. I was out buying my Christmas presents (I know, I'm a slacker!) and all around me, others were doing the same. However, in all the stores, I heard Jingle Bells, some rock n roll version of White Christmas, and an awful song about Christmastime in Africa. Not one of these songs mentioned Jesus' birth.
Picture this: It's your birthday. You're super excited. You wake up ready for a party and some gifts, maybe a little cake. As the day wears on, you see lots of people running around planning things and then, they suddenly start saying some fat man in a red suit is responsible for these gifts, and... they aren't giving anything to you! "But, it's MY birthday!" you cry. "It's not fair!" No, it's not fair to be completely ignored on your birthday while the people celebrate over a man who's not even real. Why, they don't even say it's your birthday because some people find your name rather offensive, so they change it to say something stupid. Rather than Happy Birthday, they are saying it's merely a Good Day. You're hurt and rather let down.
Why should it be any different to Jesus? We have completely forgotten why we celebrate Christmas. The closest to a Christian Christmas movie is Charlie Brown. Otherwise, it's Rudolph and Santa, and warm feeling Tim Allen movies. What happened to the little baby born in the manger to save us all from sin's power? The one foretold in Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
He's our Redeemer and we have completely ignored Him. What are we doing? This Christmas, yes be with your family, go see a movie, enjoy the time. But first, why not think abiout WHO we are celebrating? Why not consider the One who came in a lowly stable so we can enjoy the blessing of following Him who loved us first? All He asks is that we acknowledge Him. Is that so hard to do? Seek Jesus first this Christmas.
Prayer: Lord, we come to You in a spirit of love. Thanking You for coming in the form of a man. You didn't mind becoming a servant for us. You willing gave up a mansion for poverty. You gave up everything for us. Thank You. Help us to be more mindful of that this Christmas and every day of the year. It's not Santa who's knows if we've been bad or good, it's You, Lord. Help us to focus on You. Thank You for Your bountiful blessings in our lives. Thank You for loving us so. Let us shine Your light in this Christmas season, remembering You are the real reason for this season. In Jesus' holy name,
AMEN
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