December 24
Scripture of the day: "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord ... said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host ... saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'" Luke 2:7-14
Thought of the day: Think about the following statements. Mary rode a donkey to Bethlehem. The innkeeper told Joseph that there was no room in the inn. The shepherds saw the Christmas star. And an angel told them about peace among all men. Jesus was born in a stable or cave. And three Wise Men came to the manger to worship Jesus.
Challenge of the day: How many of the above statements are from the Bible rather than from traditions, Christmas cards, and carols? The answer is none. In the Bible's Christmas story there is no donkey ... the innkeeper spoke no words ... the shepherds didn't see the star ... God's peace is only for those with whom He is pleased and not for all ... a manger is a feeding trough and not a stable or cave ... and an unknown number of Wise Men came to a house when Jesus was a young boy. Where did you get your Christmas story?
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