Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 16-18; Luke 2
Devotional Thought:
It is always a tremendous blessing to think about the greatest gift ever given to mankind, the gift of salvation. A loving Heavenly Father promised us a Savior and He fulfilled that promise right on time, “in the fullness of time.” One author has put it this way, “Caesar Augustus was ruling, but God was in charge!” Although Jesus came as a humble babe in a humble stable, He is the ruling Son of God by which every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord. He is indeed the King of kings and Lord of lords. What good news was brought to the shepherds, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (vs. 11) They say it was crowded in the stable, and I say it must have been crowded in the manger… “found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.” (vs. 16) J All kidding aside, the shepherds found the very person who was promised and they spread the news about this baby who was the “Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” We too have been entrusted with the good news of the gospel and we too should make “known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child.” (vs. 17)
Simeon and Anna are good examples of those who were longing to see the Messiah. We have such a wonderful day coming when we will see our Savior face to face. We should long for the day, anticipate the day, and be active until the day when we see our Lord in heaven. Are you looking forward to that day? Are you longing for that day? We must live as Simeon lived, just and devout, and filled with the Holy Ghost.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be faithful like the shepherds to share the good news of the gospel.
• Lord, please help me to long to see you as Simeon and Anna did. Please help me to have the testimony of one who is just and devout.
• Lord, thank you for the salvation you promised and then delivered in the person of Jesus Christ.