Matthew 1; Luke 2

Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201;%20Luke%202&version=NIV


What a glorious day we read about in todays passage as prophesy is fulfilled and Christ is born!

First, let’s take a look at the events from Joseph’s perspective in Matthew. Matthew writes primarily for the Jewish audience and focuses on Jesus royal family line and fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy. According to the law, Joseph had every right to divorce Mary (betrothal was a serious commitment back then) and leave her at her father’s doorstep to be stoned to death for her unfaithfulness. He had compassion for Mary and decided to divorce her quietly, but God had another plan. When the angel told Joseph that the child was to be our Savior, Immanuel, God with Us; Joseph responded in perfect obedience and took his wife, Mary. He knew that he would be mocked, judged, & condemned by man, but he chose to honor God in obedience instead.

Luke writes to the broader Gentile audience and, being a historian and researcher, gives more details of the day of Jesus’ birth. This is the story that grandmothers read out of the Bible to their families as they celebrate the most wonderful Christmas gift ever given! Take some time to meditate on the message delivered by the angels to the shepherds.

Luke 2:10-11: “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”


Pay attention to those words: good news of great joy for ALL people. A Savior, Christ the Lord. Now, I have done some pretty extensive research on the word all and have found that it means…well…all means all. This good news of great joy about a Savior is for all people. God didn’t send his son to be born in a stable, persecuted, pierced, tortured, and crucified for just some of us. He didn’t send his son as a Savior for only the good people of the world. He didn’t send his son for those who would be able to earn his saving grace. He didn’t become flesh for those who deserved Him. He sent his son for all of us. For you. For me. For all sinners.


Take some time right now to praise his name for that beautiful, precious gift - the gift of the long awaited, much needed Savior. And if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, take some time right now to ask Him to reveal himself to you. Listen quietly for his voice. Accept his invitation. Surrender your life to Him. Allow Him into your heart. Celebrate the joy of Christmas all year long. Treasure these things in your heart as Mary did. We don't have to wait until December. Our Lord Jesus Christ is an amazing gift that keeps on giving eternally.

Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe