Christmas Devotion

Genesis 49:10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” NKJV

After the death of King Herod in 7 A.D., the Romans placed a governing authority over Israel. The Israelites were no longer self governed … the scepter had departed. Rabbis rent their raiment, dressed in sack cloth and ashes and wandered Jerusalem in mourning. They actually thought the Word of God had failed. They missed it. Just a few years earlier, Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promise for a Messiah, had been born in Bethlehem.

Two thousand years later, we buzz about our hectic holiday. From store to store, we flex our fervor to a chorus of “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings.” No matter how much we manage, the thirst for more never gets quenched. Perhaps, like the Rabbis, we have overlooked something.

Matthew 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." NKJV

What does Christmas really mean to you? What is it to you … family and friends, tree and trimmings, turkey and dressing? A Christmas that is about those things is just festivity. I hope Christmas is much more than that for you. Gifts are great and time with family is precious, but Christmas is about Jesus who came not in robes or royalty, but in humility, so that we can approach Him where we are. In the shadow of the manger, stands the cross of Calvary; the baby Jesus - born to die for our sins so that we can have abundant life. My friends, I hope that this Christmas you receive many blessings. More than that, I pray you will not miss the real meaning.

Dear Father:
Thank You for the gift You have freely given to me through Your Son Jesus. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to earth. I not only celebrate His birth in the manger, but also the reason for His coming -- His victory over sin and death. Thank You for providing eternal life for me -- His free gift of salvation. Although gifts and time with family are great, may nothing ever overshadow You in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
reachthetriad.com
336.996.6880

Created over 3 years ago