Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!' ”

Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the hope of a fallen world. Merry Christmas everyone, may your day be full of joy and the glory of God.

God with Us

Morning Meditation for December 25th, by C.H. Spurgeon.

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."—Isaiah 7:14.

Let us to-day go down to Bethlehem, and in company with wondering shepherds and adoring Magi, let us see Him who was born King of the Jews, for we by faith can claim an interest in Him, and can sing, "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." Jesus is Jehovah incarnate, our Lord and our God, and yet our brother and friend; let us adore and admire.

Let us notice at the very first glance His miraculous conception. It was a thing unheard of before, and unparalleled since, that a virgin should conceive and bear a Son. The first promise ran thus, "The seed of the woman," not the offspring of the man. Since venturous woman led the way in the sin which brought forth Paradise lost, she, and she alone, ushers in the Regainer of Paradise.

Our Saviour, although truly man, was as to His human nature the Holy One of God. Let us reverently bow before the holy Child whose innocence restores to manhood its ancient glory; and let us pray that He may be formed in us, the hope of glory. Fail not to note His humble parentage. His mother has been described simply as "a virgin," not a princess, or prophetess, nor a matron of large estate. True the blood of kings ran in her veins; nor was her mind a weak and untaught one, for she could sing most sweetly a song of praise; but yet how humble her position, how poor the man to whom she stood affianced, and how miserable the accommodation afforded to the new-born King!

Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendour.

Worship, Time Out, and the Thunder Rolls

1. Remembering that freedom in Christ means the freedom to worship God every single day in whatever action my body can perform, from scrubbing the bathtub to engaging in prayer.

2. Seeing the wonders of an effectively utilized time out by the Denver Broncos, leading to possession of the ball and ultimately, a win in overtime.

3. Peals of thunder rolling over the mountains to rumble directly overhead. The answering vibrations in my chest feel like an instinctual declaration that I'm alive and well.

To My Husband

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
~Ephesians 5:1-2

Thank you, dear husband, for lavishing me with love unrestrained, unaffected by storm or sun, but held constant by the simple fact that you chose me to share this life with you.

This past year has most certainly been an adventure, with all the highlights and challenges the word implies. We’ve somehow spent more of our married life abroad than we have back home! And yet, I feel I’ve gained much more than I’ve lost, for my understanding of the Lord’s love has deepened as I’ve watched you strive to follow Him.

Here’s to an unforgettable year and the hope of those to come as we journey this life together! I love you, my beloved.