Monday, December 23,2019
Good morning, Jesus.
Lord Jesus, of all the places on earth, why did you choose to be born in a smelly, dank barn in the obscure village of Bethlehem? Wouldn’t a palace, with servants waiting to do your every command, have been more fitting for the King of Heaven? Think of all the royalty due you, since you came down to us imperfect people. The least we could have done is given the Savior of the world, the Anointed One, a regal residence. But a barn? Really?
Years later, as your ministry expanded, your simple message of divine love, grace, and forgiveness reached people wandering in darkness. Those who realized their need of a Savior, or the poor in spirit as you called them, embraced your message with joy and thanksgiving. The pompous elite however, rejected your message, arguing that a person must keep each one of the 613 rules the religious leaders added to your original Ten Commandments. Break a rule? Hope you like it hot!
But in your sermons you repeatedly emphasized, “I didn’t come to be served, but to serve [insert your name here], imperfect and sinful as you are, and sacrifice my life for your sins.” (Matthew 20:28).
Think about that for a minute. That’s staggering! Jesus is the God of mecy. Second chances. Forgiveness no matter what you’ve done. Washes your soul whiter than snow. Removes your sins as far as the east is from the west.
Thank you, Jesus, that at your first Advent, you came as a servant to save us. When you return a second time, you’ll be coming back as the King of Heaven, the King of kings and Lord of lords!
When you came as a baby, you also came as the healer for our body, soul, and spirit. Many friends and family call on your mercy in times of illness and distress. At time, recoveries don’t go as we desire, rehab is slow and painful, yet in your sovereignty, your grace sustains them and keeps their faith alive.
May our faith remain solid in you, Jesus. Amen.
THANKFUL 
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