A Devo a Day: 3

"1And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 

4Joseph 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, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:1-7 NKJV).

The Good News this Christmas is not only that a Savior was born to us, not only that he escaped the decree that would have killed him as an infant, not only that he lived a perfect life and willingly fulfilled a sacrificial death that redeemed us to the Father, but the Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus' death set us free in order to have a relationship with the Father. 

So as I look at the nativity scene in my dad's lawn and see baby Jesus surrounded by his earthly parents, I don't just see a Gerber baby that glows like a Light Bright, I see a Father that wants a relationship with me today. 

What good news indeed!

Driving home today with a car full of earthly gifts, I remembered that the biggest blessing I am going home with tonight is that relationship.

So as we make room in our houses for our bountiful gifts this Christmas, let's also ask God to make room in our hearts for our free, whole and perfect connection with Him.

Merry Christmas family.