Christmas Devotional Revisited 2022
December 15th
Centenary Christmas Devotional - 2009

Read Luke 2:1-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)​​
Most of us are familiar with the details around Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph were told there was no place in the inn and that Mary would have to give birth in a barn (other historians say it may have been a cave). This is something you may have known since you were a small child, even before you had any idea about what it meant that Jesus died for your sins. Remember that in Chapter One, Mary was told that this child “will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end (verses 32-33).”
 
This passage reminds us that despite our expectations, God has a plan that we may simply not understand. Mary gave birth away from home in conditions that were not ideal, yet it fulfilled prophesy and reminds us of Jesus’ humble beginnings on earth.  Over and over in the birth of John and Jesus, we see how individuals suffered hardship yet God was about to do more than they could possibly have imagined. Could they have any idea what is yet to come?
 
Digging Deeper
  1. In what ways have you had to sacrifice to serve God? (e.g. making church a priority over other activities, etc.)
Suggested Prayer:  Prayer for children in our community who are abused and neglected.
A Special Christmas Memory from Brian Y.
A few years ago, when my dad's parents came to surprise us for Christmas, it was the first time I got to spend Christmas with all four of my grandparents. Spending time with family is always a plus during the holidays.