Scripture Passage

I realize that all of us are very busy and there are times that it is challenging to take time to read from the Word of God. The scripture passages that reference the Birth of Christ have taken on new meaning for me this year. The Holy Spirit has encouraged me to read them through the "lens" of the Great Commission. I sense that the Spirit is calling me to re-connect with the "complete" story of Christmas. Yes, the Spirit wants me to remember and identify the baby in the manager but I also need to remember that the baby Jesus grew into the man Jesus who would die for the sins of the world. Now, that part of the story is just as amazing as the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Would you take a moment and meditate on the great and precious promises that are declared in this passage from the book of Matthew?

Matthew 1:18-25, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus." (KJV)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!