Christmas Day: Love in a Manger

Open Your Bible

Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1-20

Scripture Reading: Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1-20

It’s ironic when you think about it. We invest a lot of time and energy (not to mention most of our December paycheck) softening the lines of why this day is needed. 

We fill our homes with warm scents, meant to cover the stench of sin in our hearts. We string twinkly lights to try to push back the oppressive darkness that permeates our world. We roll out a feast and try to forget the gnawing hunger of our souls. We snuggle each other close and ignore that families fracture, marriages implode, and sometimes kids refuse to come home for Christmas.

I’m not here to burst any bubbles. As you read these words, I hope I’m nestled into my own little moment of bliss, temporarily unaware of the aches that come with being a broken woman living in a broken world. But after forty-four Christmases, I’ve learned that I need more than Christmas spirit; I need a Savior. 

Even the most elaborate gifts wrapped in paper cannot compensate for my sin problem or yours. No Christmas carol can drown out the sorrows of this life. No sugar plums can sweeten the sour bile of knowing, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

To truly experience the joy of Christmas, we must face the ugliness that exists in our world and in each and every heart. When we do, silver bells stop ringing. The lyrics from a more somber Christmas carol rise to form a lump in our throat: “And in despair I bowed my head / ‘There is no peace on Earth,’ I said / ‘For hate is strong and mocks the song / Of peace on Earth, good will to men.’”

It may not feel like warm peppermint cocoa, but in facing our desperate state we are poised to repeat the angel’s blessing.

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:10–11

Jesus was born, and with Him true hope dawned on that day. He is more than a sweet thought. He came to give us something better than warm sentiments that can only hold for a day. 

He is the Savior of the world, the Savior of your soul. Good news! Great joy indeed. Don’t rush past remembering all that you needed saving from—but don’t linger there for long. 

We most certainly need a Messiah. But He’s here! He’s come. “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep / “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; / The wrong shall fail, the right prevail / With peace on Earth, good will to men.”

Written by Erin Davis

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113 thoughts on "Christmas Day: Love in a Manger"

  1. Wanda Woehlert says:

    Merry Christmas!! ❤️

  2. Aubree McElreath says:

    I love that this devotional acknowledges that we are in need of a Savior but is also reassuring because we have one in God! Merry Christmas!

  3. Charity Harris says:

    ❤️

  4. Kimberly Z says:

    Merry Christmas to you all!

  5. Hannah Collier says:

    ❤️

  6. Jacki Hinson says:

    ❤️

  7. Kimberly Reed says:

    ♥️

  8. Danielle B says:

    Merry Christmas sweet sisters and SRT staff. One of the images last night as I went to sleep was Jesus in His swaddling clothes in the trough. Yes we all need a savior and praise God He came!

    Ladies, thank you for your prayers. I slept for several hours and it felt wonderful!

  9. Michelle Feneide says:

    ❤️

  10. Jessica Thomas says:

    Today is a day to remember the love in the world and that we can love one another because he first loved us.

  11. Jen B says:

    Merry Christmas! I’m so thankful we have a wonderful Lord and Savior. Spending today alone, I’m focusing on what today is about.

    1. Tanya Evans says:

      Me too,Jen. I am alone and am willing to be positive about it and focus my eyes on Jesus. Happy Birthday to Jesus!

    2. Allie B says:

      Merry Christmas Jen ⭐️

  12. Meme Faye says:

    Merry Christmas, sister She’s!

  13. Kristie Sump says:

    Merry Christmas! What a life of blessing we live, with the greatest gift given in Him.

  14. GramsieSue says:

    Merry Christmas, dear sisters!
    Hugs and prayers for all ❤️

  15. Lynne from Alabama says:

    Merry Christmas, my dear sisters! I wish I could be with each one of you today to give you a big hug and to thank you for the way you hold Jack and I up in your prayers! Love you all! ❤️❤️❤️

    1. Traci Gendron says:

      Merry Christmas Lynne!

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Merry Christmas, Lynne! ❤

    3. Tina says:

      Merry Christmas to you Lynne, and Jack.. He blessed.❤

    4. Danielle B says:

      Merry Christmas Lynne! I hope it’s been a nice day!

  16. Traci Gendron says:

    Merry Christmas to all of you! With love – XO

    1. Danielle B says:

      Merry Christmas Traci! I hope you had a wonderful day!

  17. Traci Gendron says:

    Well that devo knocked the joy out of me this morning…

    I understand where she was going, but it was a downer.

    On a better note, I need a Savior everyday and it doesn’t take Christmas to remind me of that. Christmas is a joyous time to celebrate Christ’s birth. To sing in glory to HIM. To focus on HIM along with all the decorations, parties, and gift givig.

    1. Mari V says:

      Merry Christmas sweet Traci!!!

      1. Mari V says:

        Also I respond to your comment on my post

    2. Cee Gee says:

      I agree, Traci! ❤ My focus is on Him and the blessing He is! I understand the message-just don’t want the focus to be me. Praying for you today. ❤ Merry Christmas!

    3. Tina says:

      Merry Christmas to you Traci. Holding you close in prayer..❤

  18. Carol H says:

    “I’ve learned that I need more than Christmas spirit; I need a Savior.” Thank you for these words on this Christmas Day.
    As I age, my need for my Savior increases and Christmas spirit diminishes. Maybe this is the way it is suppose to be. Thank you, Jesus
    Merry Christmas, sisters ❤️

  19. Michelle P says:

    Merry Christmas She Reads Truth staff and fellow readers ❤️

    1. Cee Gee says:

      ❤❤❤

    2. Danielle B says:

      Merry Christmas Michelle!

  20. Cee Gee says:

    Thinking of each of you today wherever you are and praying you have a blessed and MERRY CHRISTMAS! Your comments today touch my heart! ❤

    1. Michelle P says:

      ❤️❤️❤️

    2. Megan Fourie says:

      ❤️

    3. Tina says:

      ❤. X.❤

  21. Mari V says:

    Merry Christmas sweeties!! I have ENJOYED this Advent study with all of you SO MUCH and actually felt a little its almost over, BUT GOD…..because of our SWEET JESUS….YOUR JESUS, MY JESUS, OUR JESUS..we shall continue. At first as I started to read what Erin wrote for our devotional, I was thinking where is she going with this? BUT I as I read on, she nailed it! We are all broken women living in a broken world in need of a SAVIOR! And because of OUR Savior, YOU and I are here TODAY! THANK you JESUS!! OK….as most of you who know me here, I can be transparent, laying it down, the good, the bad and the ugly BUT refuse to let it rob me from my JOY even though it almost did (and still hurts). On our way to my sister’s house my mom and I had a small altercation. Once at my sister’s house, I called my SNL, who wasn’t there yet, to pray with me and was transparent with her as well. After that everything was OK. And we had a GREAT time. Feliz Navidad everyone. I love you MORE than words could ever express!

    1. Traci Gendron says:

      I felt the same about the devo. I have to say I took it a bit negatively. Maybe shame on me?

      1. Mari V says:

        Oh Traci…. please not shame on you. I was wondering where she was going with this. And it did feel like a downer in the beginning. But I’m glad she ended it the way she did. Love YOU Traci!!

        1. Traci Gendron says:

          Love to you sweet Mari!

    2. Tina says:

      Mari, ❤,x

  22. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    Good morning She’s and Merry Christmas! …To be quite honest, as I was reading Erin’s devotional I thought, “this is pretty depressing and not to Christmas-ie!” …But then the Spirit spoke to me -“This is why I came, to save the people from their sin”. And then I understood.

    We come into this world lost sinners. It is a broken world…But God! There is hope. It came in the form of a baby -Jesus, Emmanuel – God with us. And that my friends is the reason for the season and why we celebrate Christmas. Rejoice – the light has come!

    Thank you Father God for your most precious gift that could ever be given – the gift of Your Son! Thank you for loving us so much that you gave Your very best for us and You offer salvation to all who will receive it. Help me to bask in the light of Your love today and every day. In Jesus name.

    Blessings to you today my dear Sweet sisters! Praying for you all. Merry,merry Christmas!❤️

    1. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      @Sarah Pixler, If you are still here and reading this — I am so sorry that you feel that way. But the honest truth is – we are all sinners and that is why Jesus had to come, that is why He had to die. It is all part of His story – and ours. If we don’t see how sinful we are – we will never know our need for a Savior.

      God loves you – we here love you. I hope that you will still stop in here each day and allow the devotionals and the comments minister to your heart. ❤️

    2. Tina says:

      ❤❤❤

  23. Rachel says:

    Merry merry Christmas! Grateful to be here studying the word of God with you all ❤️

  24. Cheryl Blow says:

    So thankful for God’s great love for us! May we hear the Bells today! Of God’s love, joy, and peace! May we be intentional as we lead our families to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and His costly gift of salvation.

    Merry Christmas to you all!

  25. Kelly Unger says:

    Amen! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  26. Kathryn Wright says:

    ❤️

  27. Rebekah Richmond says:

    Merry Christmas!

  28. Fill in Fill in says:

    Merry Christmas ❤️

  29. Linda J says:

    Merry Christmas SRT family!

  30. Karen Elizabeth says:

    Merry Christmas!
    After scripture-lacking “Christmas” service Sunday morning, my teen daughter burst into tears on the way home from church that it just didn’t feel like Christmas this year. My heart was prepared by daily advent readings here, but realized that my children need it too. We attended a different church’s candlelight service last night and we were truly blessed by both song and scripture. We agreed that now it felt like Christmas…centered on Christ. I how your day is blessed with a focus on Jesus, wherever you are and whoever you are with.

    1. Traci Gendron says:

      Even with our advent study, which I love, I didn’t think our celebration last night felt like Christmas.

    2. Tina says:

      Merry Christmas, Karen Elizabeth..❤

  31. Flora Dancsok-Regular says:

    Merry Christmas to all ❤️

  32. Molly S says:

    Merry Christmas to you all. I would love prayer for my nephew ladies. Hes 20 and grew up loving God and has the sweetest soul. He is the last person I could have imagined doing this, But he changed the last couple years and has rejected God and says he does not believe anymore about 2 years ago this all
    Started. he becomes agree when this parents speak of the Bible.
    I don’t know how to help, I’m scared to say the wrong thing.
    He’s still fun to talk to and came to Xmas and all
    The fam is together. But the weight of knowing what’s really going on with him weighs so heavy on the family’s heart.
    Please pray he comes back to God and sees the truth again.

    1. Maria B says:

      Molly, will definitely add him to my prayers. Heavenly Father, we lift up this young man to You, knowing Your love for him is unchanging and steadfast. Draw his heart back to You, Lord, and remind him of Your grace and truth. Soften his spirit to hear Your voice and feel Your presence, even in moments of doubt or distance. Guide him gently back to Your path. May he come to know the peace and joy that only You can provide.
      In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      I too have family that have lost their faith, and it’s hard at gatherings because I just want to put it back in them myself!! But, God will lead us rightly- in praying for them, or just loving them, or be it saying something at the right time! I trust and remember the Prodigal son…he will come home!

    3. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Molly – praying that your nephew comes back to the Lord, have hope – Jesus never leaves us..

    4. Mari V says:

      Joining the others in praying for your nephew. I too, have family members (siblings) who have walked away from their faith. Sad. I know. WE are here to praying with you and one another. Merry Christmas Molly!

    5. Traci Gendron says:

      Molly praying God will draw back your nephew to Him.

    6. Tina says:

      Molly ALL is not lost. Remember the prodigal son? He may have given up on his family… BUT GOD, my dear NEVER gives up on His children..
      Your nephew will return to God..
      .
      Merry Christmas.❤

  33. Wendy B says:

    Merry Christmas to you all.

    Thank you Lord for the gift of your Son❤️

  34. Rhonda J. says:

    Merry Christmas My Friends/Sisters!

    To me it’s just another quiet morning with my doggie, coffee, and SRT. This advent study has been so good, as they are yearly! I told ya’ll I went back and read some of the comments from Advent 2 years ago, my own little SRT memory lane. Because it’s good to look back and look ahead, and see how one thing never changes in our lives if we are lucky, that Jesus is our center, that he stays our focus at Christmas and every single day. This world is going to stay broken, the strife, the sorrow, the hard and trials will continue. And to be honest, it’s downright depressing. Just as the song (MY FAV) says… “in despair I bow my head.” But thankfully God knows this and gives us light in the dark! Always just in his right timing- a new baby, a new love, a new job, a blessing.

    Being able to serve those that need that blessing can be the biggest blessing. Why not be the good will toward men? Can we be a blessing today to someone? Tomorrow? The light they need in the darkness. I tell you, nothing is better than letting Jesus write your story! Moving where he leads! He will use you in ways you never imagined! Maybe you are a Mary,maybe a Joseph, maybe a Shepherd….maybe a Daniel, a Moses, a Samson, a David, a Shadrach, Meshach or Abednego. They all had characteristics that can be ready and willing in us, no? We won’t carry Jesus or lead people to the promise land, wait…we could lead people to the promise land! Oh yes,…we could do the latter by planting a seed or watering! But you get what I mean, God’s using imperfect people to be a part of the great story!! I can’t wait to see the beautiful tapestry of the story one day! How it all came together! And it all comes down to Jesus, born in a manger for a sinful world, to make it all right again!! He is coming again….and I wait with my lamp FULL!! Especially with the oil of this study! What a blessing!!

    I get the blessing of going to jail to see our butterflies today! I am leading the lesson on “love!” Talk about being in a place where the dark is all around! We get to be a light in their week, and lucky that we can go on this day of celebrating Jesus!! I pray the Lord will give us the words today…and I rebuke satan’s strategies to keep it from being! Thank you for your prayers! Praying for you and your families today, and that you will have lots of Light and blessings!

    1. Mari V says:

      AMEN!!! LOVE this!! And though I slept LESS than 6 hours, I made sure to get up EARLY before everyone to meet with all of you here this morning! MERRY CHRISTMAS my sweet, sweet friend!!! Just prayed for you and jail ministry. Praying those girls will know they are LOVED by our sweet Jesus and you!

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        We had a record number of 16 today! I didn’t feel like I did good leading and getting across the AMAZING LOVE of GOD sending his son today…But God, we did do a salvation prayer and 4 raised their hands…so GOD did what he needed!!
        Thanks for your prayers!

  35. Brianna Ashtin says:

    Merry Christmas

  36. Carol J Mylin says:

    Christmas Blessings, Dear SRT SISTERS! So Thankful for our God Who “Came Down”!!! JESUS our SAVIOR!! No matter what we are facing… nothing can change th fact that EMMANUEL… GOD IS WITH US!! HALLELUJAH! AMEN! ♥️

    1. Danielle B says:

      ❤️

  37. Sundayschoolteacher says:

    Merry Christmas! Thank you God for Jesus, our Savior! Thank you for the first Advent but thank you in advance for the second Advent that we are living in now! Jesus is coming back and we will live forever with Him those of us that are Christians. May you move in our hearts to seek out those that don’t know you so we can share the Good News of Christ! ❤️
    Merry Christmas to all and to Tina across the pond. I look forward to your comments every morning. You are a true follower of Jesus and an inspiration to us all!

    1. Tina says:

      ❤Sundayschoolteacher, bless you, and Merry Christmas to you!❤❤

  38. Sarah Pixler says:

    I give up. Bye y’all, enjoy your fatalism and tiny lens of existence.

    1. Maria B says:

      Sarah, I am wishing you a Merry Christmas. I have seen you make the same comment a few times. And clearly you are here looking for something to fill your heart. May you find what you are searching for. Be blessed.

    2. Cheryl Blow says:

      Sarah, you must be searching to be here. No judgment, just praying you will find your answers. I don’t know you but God does and He loves you! Because you are created in His image, I love you too! Praying He will meet you today!

      1. Mari V says:

        Agree with Cheryl, Sarah…WE here love you! AND we are SO glad you are here with us! I will be praying for you. I pray you also know that our Jesus knows your name. YOU are loved! Merry Christmas Sarah.

    3. Indiana Elaine says:

      Sarah, what a pretty name! Your name means princess or noblewoman. I hope you feel that way this Christmas morning. Jesus came to give you abundant life. Merry Christmas and May the love and peace of Jesus surround you.

    4. Lynne from Alabama says:

      Precious Sarah, praying that today you will feel the love of God surrounding you and that you feel the love and prayers of this community. ❤️

  39. Brandi Young says:

    We need a savior! And He came! Merry Christmas indeed!

  40. Kelsey Sain says:

    So thankful today! Merry Christmas!

  41. Jenny Pearson says:

    Merry Christmas! Praise the Lord that Jesus is here! ❤️

  42. Tina says:

    Can I just say, Erin Davis, I was moved to tears by your words today, in a good way, for sure!
    .
    Thank you.❤️
    .
    Merry Christmas, my wonderful family from afar!
    Praying peace, grace, hope and love over you, covered in much, much love.. from across the pond..❤️❤️❤️❤️

    1. Mari V says:

      Merry Christmas sweet Tina…LOVE you! Sending you a tight squeeze from across the pond!

    2. Traci Gendron says:

      Merry Christmas Tina! So much love to you my friend.

  43. Lydia Huter says:

    Merry Christmas SRT. Have a wonderful day and remember the reason for the season

  44. Aimee D-R says:

    Merry Christmas! Hallelujah for the greatest gift – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

  45. Sharon Leakey says:

    Merry Christmas!

  46. Erin L. says:

    ❤️ Merry Christmas!

  47. Sheril Schmidt says:

    I love that song! I love the Casting Crowns version. Merry Christmas!

    1. Maria B says:

      Yes! I was actually listening to that album last night. It is beautiful.

  48. Tara B says:

    Merry Christmas, She’s! Can anyone share what song was referenced in the devotion?

    1. Kristi M says:

      Merry Christmas! The song is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

    2. Danielle Cloer says:

      I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

  49. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Amen. Peace love and joy to you

  50. Georgia says:

    Merry Christmas wonderful friends ❤️ praying we experience His peace and comfort in the midst of this season. Not sure about you, but for me the last few years brought so many difficult feelings and stress during this season. Worry about aging parents, distress with other life issues… All I need is my Savior and knowing His presence is with me, thank God we never walk alone and for all His wonderful promises – the future & hope we have in Jesus ❤️❤️

    1. Maria B says:

      Amen, Georgia! Merry Christmas!

    2. Searching says:

      amen!

    3. Wendy B says:

      Amen

    4. Abby Hope Lancaster says:

      ❤️

    5. Tina says:

      Amen❤

  51. Maria B says:

    Thank you God because in your infinite and amazing love, you sent your Son in the ultimate mission of love. Jesus humbly entered the world to bring light into the darkness, heal the heartbroken, and save us from sin. By this, you created the beginning of the greatest love story—You giving us Your Son so we might have life and be restored to Him.

    Lord, thank You for the gift of Jesus, the light of the world. Help us to remember our need for Him and to live in the joy, hope, and love His coming brings. Amen.

    Merry Christmas, sisters!

    1. Tina says:

      Amen, Maria.
      .
      Merry Christmes..❤️

      1. Vicki M says:

        Joining with the amen.
        Merry Christmas. ❤

    2. Georgia says:

      Amen & amen!

    3. Searching says:

      Your words touched my heart this morning, Maria ❤️
      A love story that never grows old, thank you.

    4. Tara B says:

      Amen, Maria! And Merry Christmas!

    5. Donna Wolcott says:

      Amen! That was beautiful Maria.
      Sisters wishing you all a joyous and blessed day! ❤️
      Happy birthday Jesus!️

    6. Rhonda J. says:

      AMEN! Yes, the most beautiful love story…sent in a manger..to save ME and give me eternal life with HIM!

    7. Wendy B says:

      Amen

    8. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Amen!

    9. Cee Gee says:

      Amen! ❤