December 14
Worship Anew
Excerpted from God with Us by Joshua Cooley, author of Creator, Father, King
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and
laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. – Luke 2:6-7, ESV
The big day is coming! The weekend roads are as full as your family’s calendar, the local stores are buzzing, and radio stations are playing songs about reindeer, snowmen, and silver bells.
Christmas is almost here!
All the hubbub can certainly feel overwhelming, but it’s worth pausing often to focus on the incarnation of Jesus Christ and all the wonderful blessings it brings.
Look at today’s Scripture passage. Maybe this is the first time you’ve read these verses. Maybe you’ve read them a hundred times. Either way, don’t let the spiritual significance found within the manger pass you by. It can change your life!
During this time of the year, we are inundated with Christmas-themed messages. Retailers now start their holiday-themed songs and advertisements around Halloween. Everywhere you go, it’s Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!
If you have a church background, you’ve probably heard the story of Jesus’ birth many times. But it should never grow old. It’s too amazing! It’s too important! It’s too life-changing!
Why? Perhaps the angel who visited the shepherds outside Bethlehem that beautiful night said it best: because Jesus’ birth was “good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:10-11).
In sending his Son into the world, God’s love for us burst forth from the heavens and spilled to earth. “The armies of heaven” (Luke 2:13) erupted into song over this glorious news. God actually became man—incredible!
Why did he do this? Because we were lost in our sins. Because we desperately needed a Savior. Because God didn’t want us to spend eternity without him.
That’s why Mary marveled. That’s why the shepherds celebrated. That’s why the angels rejoiced.
That’s why we should worship anew.
Jesus’ birth is the greatest miracle in history. No matter how many times you’ve heard about it, let the wonder, majesty, and life-changing power of the Savior’s birth amaze you again this Christmas!
For further reflection:
Read the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke at least once before Christmas Day.
Creator, Father, King
A One Year Journey with God
