Today's Verse - Luke 2:4-5

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

—Luke 2:4-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

For the next few days, let's journey with Joseph and Mary as they experience the incredible grace of God in the miraculous birth of God's Son to their family. These verses give us the basics:

• They took a trip south from their home.
• The expectant couple went to Bethlehem, which was King David's home city as well as their own.
• The two were "betrothed" (legally pledged in marriage), but not yet married.
• The time for Jesus to be born was quickly approaching.
• Joseph and Mary were going there to register with the Roman government in Bethlehem as required by the census.

Intrigue about Jesus' biological father hinted at scandal associated with Mary's pregnancy. Themes of promise and fulfillment from the prophets frame the story, reminding us that this is God's story. Human faithfulness amid social, religious, and familial storms echoes throughout the story. The Roman census provides a real historical context for real everyday people who journeyed, risked, sacrificed, and welcomed the newborn Messiah. The LORD enters our world very much in a place where we find ourselves. God has chosen to enter our world in Jesus, Immanuel, as one of us. The Messiah born into such a mess is certainly a Savior and LORD we can reach, follow, and love. This Jesus is one of us.

My Prayer...

Holy and loving God, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for entering our messy world with all its contradictions, ironies, and conflicts. Thank you for not being aloof or immune to our struggles, but for sharing in them with us as our Immanuel, "God with us"! Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Acts 2:21, 40-41

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ... With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

—Acts 2:21, 40-41

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Call on the name of the LORD to save you! Proclaim Jesus as your risen LORD! Share with him in baptism as the first Christians did. Have God add you to his holy people. Know that Jesus will save you from the corruption that plagues our world and so many of our lives. You see, God sent Jesus to save, redeem, restore, and bless us. Share in the joy of that salvation. Don't wait! Today is the day of salvation! Rejoice in it. Pass it on to others. Christ our King has come to bring his salvation to all of us who will truly believe!

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for sending Jesus the first time to die for my sins! Thank you for sending Jesus into my heart to comfort and strengthen me as he works in my life! Thank you most of all for my salvation, which will be fully realized when Jesus returns. So, I pray in Jesus' name, with anticipation. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Acts 13:38-39

Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.

—Acts 13:38-39

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Law couldn't do it. Sacrifices couldn't do it. Piety couldn't achieve it. Religious practices couldn't make it happen. Only Jesus could bring complete salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. Only Jesus can make us fully righteous and holy. Forgiveness and righteousness come through him, and faith in him. Jesus is God's most complete revelation of himself and his grace, and the sacrifice he made for our sins brings us forgiveness and eternal life (John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 John 2:2, 4:10).

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, God Almighty, I confess that your Son is my Savior and LORD, Jesus the Christ. I thank you, Jesus, for being my LORD and paying the price for my sins. I ask, blessed Holy Spirit, that you fashion more of Jesus' character and compassion in my life as I pursue him in my daily life and in the Scriptures. In Jesus' name, I ask you for this grace, and I ask for this blessing. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.