Dec 29 Devotion: Christmas Memories

   CHRISTMAS MEMORIES And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all of the world should be taxed.  2).  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  3).  And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.  4).  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  5).  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  6).  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7).  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.   8).  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9).  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  10).  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11).  For unto you is born this day a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12).  And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13).  And suddenly there was with angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14).  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.15).  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.  16).  And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe, lying in a manger.  17).  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  18).  And all that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  19).  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  20).  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.                                      LUKE 2: 1-20  There’s just something about that day that sticks in our minds.

You can be sure that all of the people who experienced the first Christmas never forgot it. Mary had carried this baby in her womb for nine months, but now she saw what no one else had ever seen—the face of God! Though we can never see what Mary saw, we can each remember when we first recognized our Savior—the moment we realized He died for us.

This Christmas season, I hope  you will take time to remember when you first met Jesus. What was going on in your life? How did you feel after accepting His offer of forgiveness? How has your life changed since that day? Now imagine what it will be like when you finally see Him face to face in heaven.  KEEP THAT IMAGE WITH YOU, ALWAYS!

-IBC