Monday, December 25, 2023 - IT'S THE BOY!

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Monday, December 25, 2023 - Day 359  - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 110:1-4; 1 John 4:7-16, Matthew 1:18-25)

IT’S THE BOY!

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)

How exciting when a baby is born! Parents, grandparents and other relatives are thrilled when a baby comes into the world. It’s a girl, or it’s a boy is printed on banners and cards announcing the happy event.

There were no banners over the stable where Jesus was born on the first Christmas. If there had been, it would have said IT’S A BOY. Actually it could have read IT’S THE BOY, the One long promised, Who would save the world. In fact, the name Jesus means “God saves!” Look at how some of our dearest Christmas carols capture this fact:

♬ Peace on earth and mercy mild, 

       God and sinners reconciled!

♬ No more let sins and sorrows grow 

        nor thorns infest the ground; 

He comes to make His blessings flow 

        far as the curse is found.

♬ Come to Bethlehem and see 

        Him whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee 

        Christ the Lord, the newborn King. 

Gloria in excelsis Deo;  Gloria in excelsis Deo. 

♬ Mild He leaves His throne on high, 

        born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth; 

        born to give them second birth.

  Hark! the herald angels sing,

       "Glory to the newborn King!"

♬ God's Son for a gift

        has been sent you this night.  

To be your Redeemer,

        your Joy and Delight.

Be near me, Lord Jesus!. I ask Thee to stay 

Close by me forever and love me, I pray. 

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, 

And take us to heaven to live with Thee there. Amen.

“See” you in church this morning!

Pastor David Paape