Luke 2:7 - JESUS the GOD-MAN.
Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her
firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths,
and laid Him in a manger, because there was no
room for them in the inn.
COMMENTARY PEARLS
The preparation for our first baby was
exciting and scary. Exciting, because of the
anticipation of enjoying Gods gift of life in a little
one like us. Scary, because we had never been
parents before. She came with no instruction manual
(the Bible of course), but there was so much we
didnt know. My in-laws gave us their Ashley wood
burning stove, so like a good dad to be, I cut and
split a cord of wood. We thought we were somewhat
ready on that cold rainy day in November, but we
had much to learn. Parental preparation got us
so far, but our experience tested our
assumptions.
Joseph and Mary prepared as best they
could, but they faced unfriendly circumstances.
Crowded travel to another town with no place to stay
put pressure on their faith and physical
stamina. Even more disturbing was the community's
lack of interest in Christs coming. Some came
from afar to honor Him, but fewer close by
celebrated the birth of their Lord and Savior Jesus.
Not many were prepared for Jesus. He came to
give life, but began life corralled in the corner
of a barn. His audience was lowly beasts
incapable of belief. Jesus deserves our proper
preparation.
How can we prepare for Jesus in our
hearts and in our homes? Our humble hearts offer
the best hospitality for our Lord and Savior
Jesus. He is at home where confession of sin
comforts the soul and brings inner contentment. We
prepare our hearts for Jesus by keeping them pure.
Moreover, our homes grow peaceful as we develop a
culture of prayer. We pray at home together and we
pray as we go about our day to day activities.
Families who prepare for Jesus invite His thinking
into their conversations. Read together the words
of Christ and apply them to your life.
Indeed, Christmas is our opportunity to
prepare for the coming year. We realign our attitude
and actions around those of our heavenly Father.
We plan ways to become more loving and
generous, because of the great love and gift of God in
His son Jesus Christ. We know we have prepared
for Jesus when we have received Jesus. Have you
given your all over to Him? What area of your life
needs Christs Lordship? Yes, life is continual
preparation for what God has next. Trust Him with
eternal life, so you can trust Him with life on
earth. Prepare for Jesus, He is coming again soon!
[Wisdom Hunters Devotional 12/24/14]
Nearly two thousand years ago in an
obscure village, a child was born of a peasant
woman. He grew up in another village where He
worked as a carpenter until He was thirty. Then for
three years He became an itinerant preacher.
This Man never went to college or
seminary. He never wrote a book. He never held a
public office. He never had a family nor owned a
home. He never put His foot inside a big city nor
traveled even 200 miles from His birthplace. And
though He never did any of the things that usually
accompany greatness, throngs of people followed Him.
He had no credentials but Himself.
While He was still young, the tide of
public opinion turned against Him. His followers
ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and
went through the mockery of a trial. He was
sentenced to death on a cross between two thieves.
While He was dying, His executioners gambled for
the only piece of property He had on earth "
the simple coat He had worn. His body was laid
in a borrowed grave provided by a compassionate
friend.
But three days later this Man arose from
the dead - living proof that He was, as He had
claimed, the Savior whom God had sent, the Incarnate
Son of God.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone and
today the risen Lord Jesus Christ is the central
figure of the human race. On our calendars His
birth divides history into two eras. One day of
every week is set aside in remembrance of Him. And
our two most important holidays celebrate His
birth and resurrection. On church steeples around
the world His cross has become the symbol of
victory over sin and death.
This one Man's life has furnished the
theme for more songs, books, poems and paintings
than any other person or event in history.
Thousands of colleges, hospitals, orphanages and other
institutions have been founded in honor of this One who
gave His life for us.
All the armies that ever marched, all the
navies that ever sailed, all the governments that
ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned have
not changed the course of history as much as
this One Solitary Life. [Good News Publishers,
Wheaton, Illinois]
SPECIAL VIDEO ON THE INCOMPARABLE CHRIST:
The Incomparable Christ:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6021L0oWFDM
SPECIAL SONG FOR THE SEASON:
Go Tell by The Martins [Live]:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UrPzelutyY
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY
Colossians 1:15-17 - JESUS the GOD-MAN.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201224-0907.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/