Christmas celebrates the day Jesus Christ was born. Mary had to travel fully pregnant to Bethlehem to obey a Roman decree for a census. Humanly it was cruel. But it fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace (Micah 5:2). The Son of God had no bed to be born in. The King of kings was not born in a palace and put on a throne; he was laid in an animal's feedbox. God's ways are so different than the world's.

An angel announced to shepherds nearby the good news that causes great joy: the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord had been born in Bethlehem and was lying in a manger. Many more angels appeared and praised God saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Jesus was born, lived, died and rose again to bring glory to God and peace to people.


Application: We thank and praise you, Lord Jesus Christ, for coming humbly to save us and give us eternal peace and joy under your rule. We love and serve you, our King.
One Word: Our Savior Jesus is glory to God and peace and joy to all who accept him as King