We Three Kings

Matthew 2:11

Verse of the Day:   Matthew 2:11      

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 

The magi, also referred to as the (Three) Wise Men or (Three) Kings, had followed the star to Jerusalem and when they arrived they asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Upon finding Jesus they fell down and worshiped Him bestowing Him honor and acknowledging Him as King. After they worshiped Him they presented their gifts. The three gifts they brought had significant spiritual meaning. They gave Him gold, a gift for royalty, which represents His Kingship. Second, they gave Him frankincense, a symbol of His priestly role and mediator between God and man. And finally, they gave Him myrrh, a burial ointment because Jesus was the Savior who came to die for our sins. Like the magi we can come to Jesus and worship Him and offer Him the gifts of our heart, talent and service.

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

Matthew 2:2

Verse of the Day:  Matthew 2:2         

Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the East and have come to worship him.  

The long awaited sign that the Savior had been born finally appeared in the night sky. The magi knew that the King of the Jews had been born and the prophecy had been fulfilled. (A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. Numbers 24:17) The message of the star is peace on earth and goodwill toward men. The star is also the heavenly sign of a prophecy fulfilled and the shining hope for humanity because Jesus Christ the Messiah had come to pay for our sins so our relationship with God could be restored!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Mark 16:15

Verse of the Day:  Mark 16:15          

he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

The Christmas carol “Do You Hear What I Hear?” describes how the news of the birth of Jesus might have swept across the land. From the lamb to the shepherd boy all the way to the king and everyone in between the story of the birth of the Savior, the light of the world, was being shared.  Today, we also have the same commission and more. We’re to share not only the news of the birth of Jesus Christ but also the good news of His teachings, His death, His resurrection and His second coming. Hallelujah!

Away in a Manger

Luke 2:7

Verse of the Day:  Luke 2:7   

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.           

On the very first “Christmas” Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room at the inn.  What about this Christmas, is there room for Jesus in your heart?  Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart will you let Him in? Or like the inn keeper, will you tell Him you have no room?  Open your heart to Jesus and receive the most wonderful gift of all.

God Sent His Son

Galatians 4:4-5

Verse of the Day:  Galatians 4:4-5    

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.  

God had predetermined that He would send His Son, Jesus, to save the world from sin. When that time came He sent Jesus to live among us and to ultimately pay the price for ours sins, bringing redemption to all humanity. Jesus was born and died so that, by faith, we could receive the gift of adoption with the power, authority and privilege from God through Jesus and a right to our heavenly inheritance for all eternity. (Gill’s Exposition)

Name Above All Names

Verse of the Day:   Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.         

The Messiah, born to a virgin, is a gift from God, His only Son came to save mankind. He is described as Wonderful because of His glorious nature, Counselor because He knew God’s plan and revealed it to all of mankind. He is called Mighty God because He is God as well as man, Everlasting Father of all believers. He is the Prince of Peace who purchased peace between God and men when He died on the cross for our sins. God gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!

Verse of the Day:  Luke 2:10-11        

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.   

Over 2000 years ago an angel appeared to the shepherds bringing good news. God had a divine plan for our salvation and Jesus was born to lay down his life for all people. The promised Messiah, the Savior had been born. The good news of the Savior’s birth is the reason for great joy and celebration!

Emmanuel

Verse of the Day:   Matthew 1:23      

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel which means “God with us”.        

The prophecy by Isaiah, which was inspired by God, revealed the birth of Jesus by a virgin and that they would call Him Emmanuel, which means God with us. The Gospel of Matthew interprets this as the birth of the Messiah and the fulfillment of scripture in the birth of Jesus when the word that was made flesh and dwelt among us. This was all part of God’s divine plan for the salvation of man, and the restoration of fellowship between God and man because Jesus is the one and only Mediator between God and us. How wonderful to know that God loves us so much He sent His only Son to dwell with us and that He will always be with us even unto the end of the world.

Peace

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Verse of the Day:  2 Thessalonians 3:16      

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

As we get closer to Christmas and the end of a very difficult year, let’s pray for peace in our hearts and in the hearts of others. True peace is a gift from God to those who keep Him in their hearts. Let’s not forget that we are all God’s children so we ought to pray for one another with love and unity. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and the reason for the season. Christmas is not about the presents, it’s about His presence. May you and your loved ones find the true peace, love and joy!

Spiritual Gifts

1 Peter 4:10

Verse of the Day:  1 Peter 4:10         

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.       

God gives each of us talents, abilities and gifts that He expects us to use to serve others. Gifts of wisdom, faith, discernment, teaching, administration, service, mercy, hospitality, encouragement and others have been given to us for His purpose, not ours. This Christmas season let the focus be less on ourselves and more on others. If we truly want to please God we must faithfully be generous with our gifts and use them to bless others and to build up God’s kingdom.