Let's lift up SJEP and their family for peace and joy today. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him" (Rom 15:13). Trusting God's presence and blessings! 
Hello everyone! Let's lift up And while [Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem], the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
—Luke 2:6-7 NLT
We all wait in anticipation for the birth of a child in our families. We are waiting for the time to come. No one can be sure when that time will arrive. The sages may debate about how the baby is being carried and speculate on the arrival date. Doctors and nurses will talk about subtle body signals, dilation, and effacement, but they can't be sure either. Young children awaiting a new sibling will drive everyone crazy by asking every day for months if this is the day. Imagine the excitement among the angels of heaven at this birth of Jesus! It wasn't just Joseph and Mary who were waiting. The hosts of heaven awaited Jesus' birth. [1] So at just the right time, [2] the "time came for her baby to be born." Like any good mother, Mary welcomed her child, and God began his gracious and sacrificial journey through humanity, swaddled at his birth like every other new baby, but with his bed made in a manger — a humble beginning for a humble life. [3] The question you and I face is whether we will give God a room in the most important place, a place in our hearts.
[1] Luke 2:13-15.
[2] Galatians 4:4.
[3] Philippians 2:7-8; Matthew 20:28; John 13:5.
How do I comprehend your gracious and sacrificial love, dear Father? Coming in human flesh as a baby! Swaddled in strips of cloth like the babies of that day! Making your bed in a manger! Holy God, my Abba Father, please know that I want you to make your place in my heart. You are welcome here. Your presence is desired. Thank you for the grace of coming in Jesus. Thank you for your grace of also coming to live in me through your Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 2:6-7 NLT
Key Thought
We all wait in anticipation for the birth of a child in our families. We are waiting for the time to come. No one can be sure when that time will arrive. The sages may debate about how the baby is being carried and speculate on the arrival date. Doctors and nurses will talk about subtle body signals, dilation, and effacement, but they can't be sure either. Young children awaiting a new sibling will drive everyone crazy by asking every day for months if this is the day. Imagine the excitement among the angels of heaven at this birth of Jesus! It wasn't just Joseph and Mary who were waiting. The hosts of heaven awaited Jesus' birth. [1] So at just the right time, [2] the "time came for her baby to be born." Like any good mother, Mary welcomed her child, and God began his gracious and sacrificial journey through humanity, swaddled at his birth like every other new baby, but with his bed made in a manger — a humble beginning for a humble life. [3] The question you and I face is whether we will give God a room in the most important place, a place in our hearts.
[1] Luke 2:13-15.
[2] Galatians 4:4.
[3] Philippians 2:7-8; Matthew 20:28; John 13:5.
Today's Prayer
How do I comprehend your gracious and sacrificial love, dear Father? Coming in human flesh as a baby! Swaddled in strips of cloth like the babies of that day! Making your bed in a manger! Holy God, my Abba Father, please know that I want you to make your place in my heart. You are welcome here. Your presence is desired. Thank you for the grace of coming in Jesus. Thank you for your grace of also coming to live in me through your Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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