December 22 – “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

Read: Luke 2:8-20

We get the feeling that heaven had waited a long time for this moment. In the fullness of time and in just the right place Christ finally arrived. He came in answer to mankind’s great need of redemption. He came in fulfillment of prophecy. He came “to shine on those living in darkness.” But the angel only said; “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” He offered no Old Testament quote. Nor did the Angel give a lengthy explanation. Instead, the Angel used simple things like strips of cloth and a manger as confirmation. So much could have been said, but the angel was content to use only the immediate circumstances as a sign.

At Christmas we might wish that people were well versed in Old Testament prophesy and well aware of their desperate spiritual need. But most are not. They are unacquainted with what we believe would help them to appreciate the Christmas message. The example of the announcing angel teaches us not to frustrate ourselves. The simple and immediate circumstances of Christ’s presence in our lives is the most effective sign of His reality. Hospitality, compassion, service, and simple words of faith and trust become the strips of cloth and manager in the Christian’s testimony. These are the signs pointing to the reality of Christ the Lord.

Prayer: We give you thanks, O God, for all the prophecy and revelation preparing us for the Messiah. We find ourselves anticipating along with the prophets the coming of the Savior. We rejoice in the fulfillment announced by the angel. But help us to see as well the importance of our own lives as an immediate witness to Your coming. Amen.

4 thoughts on “December 22 – “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.””

  1. These advent devotions are the highlight of my morning! I am so thankful for the thoughtful planning behind each one…

  2. Jim,
    Thanks so much for this word of encouragement. It is so easy to get frustrated with our daily lives because we have not done the “big thing”…testify about our Lord to someone. The fact of the matter (which is hard for me personally to grasp) is everyday living is a testimony to Him. God hasn’t called us to the “big things”; He has called us to the “common, everyday” thing. Thanks again, Gay Ledley

  3. Thank you, Jim. Your insight is valuable. We would like for people to know more but we need to guide them to where they meet the Lord. Sometimes that is a long process. Thank you again. Have a Merry Christmas!!
    Frosty

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