Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-52, Isaiah 9:2-7, Galatians 4:4-5
Only our oldest child, Lincoln, was born back when my husband and I lived in Wisconsin. Then we moved west, and years later our younger two were born in California, the state we’ve now lived in for over a decade. But Lincoln loves that his Wisconsin birth makes him unique within our family and among his California friends.
The places we were born show up on our birth certificates, passports, and a few other legal documents. But in general, for most of us, our cities of birth don’t affect our daily lives much unless we are refugees or immigrants seeking citizenship in a new country.
It may have us wondering: Why does it matter that Jesus was born in Bethlehem? Why does Luke devote papyrus and ink to emphasizing this fact?
First, there were many prophecies about Jesus. He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). He would be a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15). And He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
Christ’s birth in the city of Bethlehem matters not just because it fulfilled an ancient prophecy but also because it was a sign of His kingship. His genealogy included King David, and Bethlehem was commonly known as the “city of David.”
Yet in contrast to the rulers of our world who so often seek power for themselves, Luke tells us that in the ancient city of David, a Savior was born. Not a king who would bring glory to himself. Not a bloodthirsty king. Not even a king like David, a “man after God’s own heart” who nevertheless ended up committing some very egregious sins.
No, the Savior born in Bethlehem was “born for you” (Luke 2:11). Though He is the Messiah, meaning “anointed” or “chosen one,” He brought His power to heal, draw together, and save. He arrived not in a golden palace but in a manger. When He entered Jerusalem three decades later, He would do so on the back of a donkey, not a war horse.
Jesus is a different kind of king altogether.
A few months ago, our family put up a Little Free Library in front of our house. You may have seen these—small cabinets filled with reading material, often sporting a sign that says “Take a book, leave a book.” Soon after it was put up, I noticed one of the children from our street looking longingly at the books. When she saw me, she quickly closed the library cabinet’s door, looking ashamed.
“Wait!” I called out to her, coming down our front sidewalk. “These books are free!” She hesitated. I opened the library door back up and said, “These books are for you.” Immediately she smiled and took one out.
In a world where nothing is free and so many are out for their own power or influence or financial gain, a Savior came to us, born in the city of David. Why?
For you.
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30 thoughts on "The Birth of Jesus"
Reading part of the advent story outside of advent season is so refreshing and opens my eyes to other details than just Jesus’ birth like we study for advent. I always love reading the story of Mary and Joseph losing Jesus and then finding him just hanging out in the temple.
I was struck by Anna’s Testimony in Luke 2. Only married a short time, a widow for a lifetime, and yet she served God day and night with fasting and prayer. What a great kingdom practice reminder.
FOR YOU!!! (and ME) Thank YOU sweet JESUS!
Happy Tuesday sweeties! Leaving here in shortly to San Francisco to visit my son. Please again I ask for safe travels. Driving into the city is not my favorite. BUT I must go visit as he leaves for Sprain next week for a week.
In Judaism we have creeds and articles of faith. I think you will appreciate this one from the 12 Articles of Faith.
“I believe in the Messiah, though He tarries yet will I wait for Him.”
Amen!! I have LFL too!!
GM She’s!
Being in Florida no one seems to be from here so we are asked where we are from often! That always starts intros and discussions.
Knowing that the Jewish people were aware that the line of David would bring the King and Savior, you would think they were always anticipating, but they were probably complacent like us waiting for the coming King. Going about their business and caught up in their own lives. So I love that 2 people are pointing out here that actually were “eagerly waiting” for the Messiah!
I want to be anticipating the Lord. What will I be doing when he comes back? I hope I will be “about his business!” I hope I am an anxious bride awaiting her groom! Keeping oil in my lamp so it is ready any moment! Like a thief in the night he shall come! But as I wait for my Lord to come…I AM the light to others! I am a priest! I am a Fisher of men! We walk by the Spirit! Saying YES for divine moments and the direction and guidance of him! Being sanctified and transformed! No, never perfect, but closer to the Lord than we were a year ago!! Eager to read his word and walk and talk with him!
Just a Closer walk with Thee is a great hymn that comes to mind, one of my favorites!
….I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people…. Luke 2:10
This good news of great joy is for ALL people.Not just those who at the current time had been waiting and waiting – but how exciting for Simeon and Anna who so faithfully waited. The birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior is for His all. All who believe, all who confess and all who need Him. Thanks be to God.❤️
Most of the last 2 weeks my comments have gone to moderation, were posted and then disappeared, and I could only occasionally reply to other posts. So frustrating. :( Hopefully the glitches have resolved.
Have a good day SRT sisters.
I wondered where you were!
Glad your post is here today!
I hope you are feeling a little back to normal now health wise!
❤️
Respectfully I think they need a new IT person. There are glitches too often.
WOW! By worldly standards I’m not pretty to look at, I’m not powerful or influential, I’m not rich, or even super smart. But He came for me; not to make fun of or condemn. He came and to set me free, to make me a daughter of the King! WOW!!!
It is amazing and humbling at the same time what He has done for us.
Amen
I love the fact that Mary is holding onto and taking in all of these moments as a mother and treasuring them in her heart — amidst the uncertainty of what all is ahead.
Such a reminder to my heart that the Lord knows my own child and situation far greater than I ever could and what a blessing it is to watch that unfold and treasure these moments.
At just the right time, God sent His Son to redeem us from the curse of the law. Even Mary didn’t fully understand but she treasured all in her heart.
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I praise God that He included me – and you, in His redemption plan. It wasn’t just for His people Israel but also a light for revelation to the gentiles.
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How blessed were Simeon and Anna – to both have lived to see the prophecy of Christ’s birth come to fruition!
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May we look back to Christ’s birth in awe and wonder, and look ahead to His coming again with excitement and anticipation!
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Happy Tuesday She’s! So glad this website is back up and running again. Thank you to all who tirelessly work to make it all possible!
These Scriptures are so familiar yet reading the recounting of Christ’s birth, it never grows old. The obedience of Joseph and Mary traveling to be registered was no easy task – full term pregnancy, walking/riding 70ish miles, the logistics of delivering a baby in a stable, the angel and that great heavenly host declaring the news to the shepherds.
All for the children of Israel and for the Gentiles (that’s me!), hallelujah!
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Praying all will come to know our Jesus!
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He’s my King, Adger M Pace, 1936
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Verse 1
I have a Friend Divine walking with me
Making my pathway shine mighty is He
Jesus the One I love gladly I sing
Praises to Him above He is my King
Chorus
He’s my King and reigns forevermore
He’s my King to worship and adore
Oh I dearly love Him
There is none above Him, wonderful is He (this mighty King of Glory)
He’s my King let all the world proclaim
He’s my King of royal holy fame
When I get to glory I will sing the story
Of His love for me
Verse 2
I have a Savior dear talking with me
He is so very near seems I can see
Over life’s rugged way to Him I cling
He is my guide and stay Jesus my King
Verse 3
I have the Holy Ghost living in me
He is my Royal Host faithful is He
Filling me with His love so I may sing
Praises to Christ above He is my King
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Welcome to our new sisters studying with us!
CEE GEE ❤️
MERCY ❤️
B ❤️
TERESA DONLEY ❤️ praying for Amanda
TINA ❤️ … at last :)
KARRIE ❤️ are you still studying with us?
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️ hope you are feeling better and that the mission trip was a success!
MIA FAITH ❤️
FOSTER MAMA ❤️
MARTHA HIX ❤️
GM ladies. Here is our list of prodigals. Add any names in the comments.
Isaiah 43:19 Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali, Greg, Rico, Leah, Mikey, Logan, Ryan, Stephanie, Dillon, Danae, Julie, Sean
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael, Sue, Katie, Jack, Ella
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy, Micayla
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew, Deanna
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
Vicki – Ben, Sian
TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
Susan B – Emma
Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
Nat – Marissa, Melody
Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
Laura – Jordan, Taliah
April L – Molly, Becca
Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
Heather – Jack, Hudson
Cheryl Blow – Sara
Dianne – Ian
Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
Shar – K
Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
K-Ann – G, T, S
Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
LaRae – Levi
Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
Karen – Nathan, Bailey
Jazz – Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
Gina – Carolyn, Steven
Cindy – Toby, Clarissa, Katie, Samantha
TS Woodruff – Danielle
Tammy H.- Alyssa
Danielle B – Joelle, Adam
Myra – Mitchell
Debby – Kristen
Jenn F – B&E, J&T
K – Alizabeth
Stephanie – Greg
Melanie C – Casey, Corey, Celeste, Kat
Mollie – Haley, Jeff, Rhonda
Margo – Lindsey, Drew, Lauren, Spencer
Meghan – Maddie, Brianne
Susan – Natassia
Donna – Kathy
Donna – Linda
Melanie – Jeff, Gary, Drake, Logan, Ryan
KMC – Rachelle, Karah, Joshua
Donna- Sherry
Kelly – Kyla, Brendan
Marie S – Joshua, Carleigh, Zoe, Terry, Edie, Brady
Jenn F – K&L, B&S, J&C
Eileen – Chris
Erin E – Ava
SB – T
Mollie – Stephanie
Joy – Grayson, Clay, Carley
Kathryn – Peter
Rita – Bryan, Sheila
Susan P – Brian, Alison
Truth Seeker – Roxanna Danese
Please add Paul, Erika, Will, Emma. Thank you!
Thank you, Tami for once again posting these names of our loved ones who we long to return to their Savior
We often think of Joseph and Mary going to Bethleham alone, leaving family behind. And while the passage does not say either way, if all the people had to go to their ancestral homes, was not Mary’s father of the line of David. Wouldn’t he (and maybe if she had brothers or uncles) also have had to go? The same for Joseph’s family (brothers, father, uncles)? Will try to look that up later today.
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“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told” (Lk 2:20).
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May we also go forth today praising God for all He has done, just as He promised!
Hmmm, hadn’t thought about that, thank you! ❤️
Great question, Kelly!! I had never thought of that. The flannel graph stories always showed Joseph and Mary, no one else.
Does anyone else read that passage of scripture in Luke 2 with Linus’ voice in their heads??
I do. :)
I do – in the KJV, too!! ☺☺☺
♥️
This has brought to mind the famous sermon ‘That’s my King’ by S.M.Lockeridge (there’s a great clip on YouTube) where he lists all the qualities,achievements and splendor Jesus. Reading about the little baby today, then watching the clip glorifying who he grew into and what he did – and the fact that he is MY KING – has been such an encouragement this morning. Be blessed x
Rhonda Gund put Dr. Lockeridge’s message in a song called “Stand by Me” also on YouTube.
Merry Christmas, Ladies!!:) Oh how we love this birth narrative of Jesus. What strikes me this morning is that the/our land walking in darkness has seen a great Light, but so many do not recognize Him! Even many of God’s very own chosen people who have been waiting for the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace since Isaiah’s prophecies reject Him.
Father, remove the blinders from all eyes to see You clearly and accept Your free gift of eternal life!
❤️ Joining in prayer for all to clearly see their need for The Savior, Jesus.
Yes, that sentence stood out to me! Imagine..a LIGHT shining in the darkness! I love the imagery of LIGHT! Jesus the Light of the world! US the light for/of Jesus to our neighbors, work, family…every room we enter!! :)