With tomorrow being Christmas, I think of so many reasons to be thankful in knowing God sent his only begotten Son , Jesus Christ to earth as our Savior. I continually think of the immeasurable blessings that come with his life and sacrifice for our sins. Joy overwhelms me in his unmatchable gifts- to be washed clean of sin, the gift of Holy Spirit to lead us, the gift of Eternal life. I feel so full in his Everlasting Love!

Today, Holy Spirit led me to an abundance of encompassing thoughts of Jesus Chirsts Almighty power and purpose, this led me to various scripture, beginning in Luke 1:28-35 which tells of how the angel of the Lord came to Mary, a virgin, telling her that the Holy Spirit would visit her and she would conceive the Son of God.

Reading, Luke 1:36-44, I smile in the amazement of Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, who was barren, being also with child- John the Baptist, who leapt in his mothers womb when Mary announced her pregnancy miracle. Mary being so full of happiness in Luke 1:46-47 when she said “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour”.

These passages are then brought whole with the actual birth of Jesus, in Luke 2:4-7.

Luke 2:10-14 tells of the glory in words, after the birth of Christ, words we too can rehearse with a grateful heart, tomorrow we celebrate it on earth; “10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Moving forward in Jesus’ life and being full of the Spirit in the word, I look to Luke 2:42-49 when during a trip to Jerusalem, 12 year old Jesus goes off on his own, his parents searching for him, finding him in the temple. When he is asked “48d Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing” and Jesus, a young man, Son of God, our Savior replied “49 How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Oh Lord! We can read how Jesus was born full of purpose, to save us! At 12 years old he was focused on doing the business that God sent him to do! This is all so encouraging that our Savior has always kept his promise to us, even as a child!

Let us rejoice in these facts and tell of the holiness of our Savior.

The Holy Spirit next brought me to Jesus Christs sacrifice of his life and how he died on the cross for our sins, remembering Christs last words before crucifixion in Luke 23:46 “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” Thank you Jesus! We praise you Lord for your sacrifice!!

Christmas for me has turned into being more than a day of Christs birth. Tomorrow, Christmas Day, is the day of the Lord, as every other day we are given. Let us choose to remember all the gifts of our Lord and Savior! The wonders and amazements of his holy life are a gift that no box can hold. There is no wrapping paper or bow more beautiful than Christs sacrifice for us, in life and death.

On tomorrow let us gather with our loved ones and remember the Lord in his fullness, not just as a baby but as the Living God, Son of God, our Only Savior, the Holiest of Holy, Emmanuel!

Let us celebrate the day of Christs birth, everyday, not just tomorrow.

I pray, Jesus our Savior, how Holy and sweet is your name. As our world joins in celebration of your birth, let us bring heightened focus on you, our Savior, King of Kings, perfect in all your ways and let us awake on December 26th full of your Holy Spirit continually spreading the same good tidings and joy. Truly, as everyday we awake is a day, you, our Lord, has made! Everyday let us celebrate your Holy birth, life and sacrifice in death. For as in Psalms 145, we will bless your name forever and ever. Amen

Psalms 118:24 “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

How did you choose to celebrate? How do you honor Jesus in your everyday life as the day the Lord has made? What part of the birthing story of Jesus in the bible is your favorite? Leave a verse that you spoke to your family during this season of giving.