The years of silence have passed and a newborn baby is born in Bethlehem. The cry of that baby sounds out as a declaration of hope, an announcement of love, and a trumpet of victory. God has come to live among his creation and make a way for humankind to have peace with God. Although this was prophesied many centuries before, no one was ready for the incredible outpouring of God’s love.

Meditate for a minute on all the reasons that God should be angry with you. Remind yourself that God keeps his word to not only send his Son, but to forgive us just as He said He would.

Scripture

Micah 5:2 NLT
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.

Philippians 2:5-7 NLT
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.

Luke 2:1-4 NLT
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving us the gift of scripture. As we read your word, help us to understand the depth of your love for us and for the world around us. Help us to hold tight to the promise of love, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Family Activity

Some of life’s greatest moments are wrapped in unexpected blessings. Discuss with your family someone who you can unexpectedly bless. Whether a specific person comes to mind or you have a specific ministry close to your heart, be sure to follow through actively by volunteering, giving a gift, or being a blessing in whatever way the Lord leads.

Be sure to remind your family that many were expecting God to send a Messiah, but none expected God to come and live with his people and bring them freedom in Christ.

Scripture

Prayer

Family Activity

Song of Meditation

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