Today’s Key Scripture

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

— Luke 2:8-12

 

Every time I hear “O little Town of Bethlehem,” written by Bishop Phillips Brooks during the Christmas season, my mind goes immediately to the shepherds on the hillside 46 miles from where I lived as a child:

O little town of Bethlehem,

How still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee to-night.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, remember that God sent His Son for you. You are precious to Almighty God. He wants to fellowship with you continually and eternally!

May the joy and wonder of the angel’s announcement to the shepherds live in your heart during this sacred season and throughout the year.

 

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son to be born in a manger, to live a perfect life, to die as a sacrifice for my sins, to rise again victorious over sin and death, and to ascend into heaven to be an advocate for my soul. Ignite my courage to serve You faithfully today. Help me to see with spiritual eyes all that You want me to do for You. As spiritual fruit is developed in me, may the life You produce in me help inspire others to follow You in Spirit and in truth. May all this be done in Jesus’ mighty name on this special Christmas Eve, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.