Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed
Micah 5:2
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
The Son of God took his first breath of air in the small village of Bethlehem. Away from the bright lights and busyness of the city, Jesus entered this world without notice. Today, media from around the globe will camp outside a hospital waiting to report the birth of royalty. But for the King of Kings, apart from Mary, Joseph, and the few animals whose shelter was interrupted by the commotion, the inhabitants of Bethlehem slept as Jesus made his entrance into the pool of humanity.
How about you? Have you embraced the entrance of the King? Are you sharing the message of Jesus?
In a world seeking identity, satisfaction, and security, only Jesus delivers true joy. The joy Jesus gives is not the momentary heartfelt happiness of opening a thoughtful Christmas present or, much better, watching our children and grandchildren open their gifts. The joy of Jesus is deep, lasting, and foundational. It is still there when circumstances of life hit from all sides.
In the last couple of weeks, I have buried a dear friend, prayed with a couple whose child is very ill, emailed a family with an estranged child, and called and texted those struggling with devasting illness, addiction, and heartbreak. Each family has said in their own way, “I don’t know how anyone gets through this without Jesus.”
As the world slept on that silent night in Bethlehem, God became flesh. His life, death, and resurrection delivered joy—and continues to deliver joy in this life under the sun and in the perfect life to come.
Father, thank you for the joy of Jesus! May we share that joy with others. Set our hearts ablaze and let others be attracted to the fire of joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I remember hearing the Christmas song, Joy to the world after I had become a Christian. It was as if I was hearing and seeing the words for the first time. I had sang that song, it is beloved, but I had never truly heard the intense meeting until then. I was driving a car and it comes through a rotary, and as I began to sing this song, I actually had to pull over. I was crying so hard I could not drive. Jesus truly brought joy to the world! Joy to the world is, Jesus to the world. There may have been trying to pry happiness in the world but not true Joy until Jesus. Sometimes it’s really hard to sing those Christmas songs, Christmas hymns without crying when you realize the real meanings of those words.
What a beautiful devotional! Thank you, Rev. Moore, for comforting and encouraging us each day.