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Day 60 Luke 2:1 And it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 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, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told to them concerning this Child. 18 All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them. After children are born, fathers call or text their family and friends to let them know the good news. When Prince William and Princess Kate had their first child, Prince George, the entire world knew about it. When Jesus was born, God sent angels to tell the shepherds His Son was born. He told the world more dramatically than we have today of getting the word out. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see the Baby and Glorify God for sending their Savior. When they saw Him, they told everyone what they saw and what the angels told them. For Christians, Jesus’ birth is the most important event in history. Without Jesus’ birth, there would be no Savior to die for you and give you eternal life. Without His birth, you would still be on your way to Hell. Satan would still control your life and actions. With His birth, you have everything God promised Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, a Savior to save you from your sins. Jesus’ birth was the first step in the salvation process. God warned Satan that day would come. He did everything he could to stop His birth by trying to destroy the Jews and wipe out the line that would bring the world a Savior. Satan couldn’t stop God from sending His Son. He hasn’t given up. Since Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, Satan has done all he can to blind the eyes and stop the ears from hearing the wonderful news about God’s salvation plan for mankind. Today, there are many religions that publish a different kind of God. They tell people there are many roads to salvation, not one. Religions teach good works will lead to a better life when they die. Satan does everything he can to take Jesus out of the world. Yet, God had a plan. His plan is still in force today. Today, when you hear the gospel message and know that Jesus came to earth as a Baby, born to a virgin, and hear the message of the angels given to the shepherds, and believe in your heart, you will be saved. Romans 10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes in righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” God’s promise started in the Garden of Eden. He sent an angel with a message to a small town in Nazareth to a virgin named Mary. Then the message went to Bethlehem where He sent angels to tell shepherds your Savior was born. The message didn’t end there, it led to the cross for your salvation, and to the grave for your resurrection to eternal life when you accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord. When you believe the angel’s message to the shepherds and believe God’s promise of salvation, your life will change. Satan will no longer hold you captive to the world and his ways. Jesus will set you free to live for Him. John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) There is only one path to salvation. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV) Just as Jesus was born in a small town in Judea, you will be born anew to live for Him. Life starts with Jesus. It all began in the Garden of Eden and was born in a stable in Bethlehem. God kept His promise to bring salvation to the world. All you need to do is believe as the shepherds did when the angels told them their Savior was born. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Let the angel’s message resonate in my heart and bring You praise for Your salvation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 12 September 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay