And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6-7
Father God, Your Word declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus Himself said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” When I meditate on the birth of my Savior into this world, reflecting on what His advent has meant not just for me but for all mankind, my heart is overwhelmed with an indescribable joy! To think that You loved me that much, and in turn He loved me that much, I must admit that I cannot comprehend it! That You would send Him to live, suffer and die because of Your love – and that He would willingly do it – I must be honest and say it is far more than I can wrap my head around! And to think that then and now this world still has no place for Him! Well, this morning I just want to say thank You for this, the greatest sign of love ever bestowed upon mankind, of which I am a recipient. Thank You for loving me so much that even when I did not make room for You, You still pressed hard into my life. Thank You, Father, for that helpless baby in that lowly manger, dependent upon an earthly mother and father to care for Him so that He could grow up to eternally care for them. And not only them, but for all who would call upon His Name! Thank You for His life, the beginning which is celebrated this day, a life surrendered in service and exalted in sacrifice. Oh, that I could be more like Him! Today, please know that I love and worship You – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – my Triune God in all of Your glory and majesty! Oh, what a glorious gift You have given me through Jesus Christ my Lord! Thank You, LORD! I praise Your Name this day in Jesus’ Name!