Today Daily Devotional

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The Christmas Census
Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. — Luke 2:1 The Christmas story is shaped, in part, by a government decision: a census. People in Palestine likely griped about Caesar’s decree—and, according to tradition, a Jewish citizen was expected to register in their own ancestral town. That made things inconvenient for Joseph and Mary, who was near the end of her pregnancy. They had to travel about 90 miles (145 km) from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a weeklong journey by donkey.Caesar thought he was counting subjects, but God had a bigger plan. Joseph’s ancestral town, Bethlehem, was also known as “the town of David,” and prophecies stated that the Savior would descend from Israel’s King David (Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-10) and be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). God used a government regulation to prepare the way for Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.It’s not uncommon today to hear criticisms about governments. Whether it’s taxes, policies, trade regulations, or extra paperwork, people get frustrated with government leaders and their demands. But the Christmas story shows that God works even through government inconveniences to make his salvation known. Jesus came to bring the presence of God to sinful humanity, despite the inconvenient circumstances into which he came.In what ways can you see the Lord working today, despite situations that may be difficult or inconvenient for you? Almighty God, you reign over all things. Open our eyes to see your presence and work, even in situations that we find difficult. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
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Saying "Thank You”
His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. . . . — Luke 1:67 Opening gifts is a big part of our family’s Christmas celebration. Each year, our kids are excited to see what they’ll receive. But one important part of all this is learning about gratitude. So when they receive a gift, our kids have learned to say, “Thank you!”In response to the birth of John and filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah offered praise and thanks to God. He recalled how God had fulfilled his promises to deliver his people. God had graciously invited his wayward people to love and serve him, and through those people God was bringing forth a Savior (“Jesus”), the promised Messiah (“Christ”), who would bring salvation, forgiveness, and peace.Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son, John, would play a unique role in preparing people for the coming of Jesus—and this Savior, Jesus, who is also the Son of God, is the greatest gift we receive at Christmas.When we see this gift, what do we say? Do we too respond with gratitude for God’s deliverance and his invitation to serve him? Do we encourage our neighbors and families to see their role in God’s plan?May the gifts you give and receive this season remind you of the greatest gift of God’s presence in Jesus Christ. And may we all give thanks and grateful obedience in response. Thank you, gracious Father! You have given us so many gifts. And, what’s more, your Son has come to bring us forgiveness and eternal life. We give ourselves to you in response. Amen.
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Naming God’s Mercies
Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. — Luke 1:58 The story of Jesus’ birth is intertwined with another miraculous birth—that of John, who was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah in their old age. Though Zechariah did not believe at first that this could happen, God fulfilled his promise. And when Zechariah named the child John, as the angel had instructed, he was able to speak again (see Luke 1:11-20; Dec. 4). The name John means “God is gracious.”While we might be used to thinking of God’s grace in the birth and life of Jesus, we may also ask about other ways we see God’s grace at work in this season. Maybe you have seen a strained relationship restored, or an illness healed. Maybe you have seen temptations lifted, or fears relieved. Can we name such gifts as illustrations of God’s grace?Not only did Zechariah and Elizabeth receive God’s mercy; they invited their neighbors and relatives to share in their joy in what God had done for them. During the Christmas season, many of us have opportunities to gather with family and friends. Do we also take time with others to share with them our experiences of God’s mercy to us?Christmas is a season for reflecting on God’s grace and mercy to his people. May you name, and celebrate, that mercy today. Holy God, you surprise us again and again with your grace. Open our eyes to what you are doing, and loosen our tongues to speak of your faithfulness. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
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Watch for God’s Word to be Fulfilled
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 Joseph is sometimes an overlooked character in the Christmas story. He never speaks in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. Instead, he considers the events of his life carefully in order to try to do his best to obey God.The circumstances of Mary’s pregnancy brought a 700-year-old prophecy from Isaiah to the gospel writer’s mind: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son . . .” (see Isaiah 7:14). At a time of national crisis in Isaiah’s day, God had pointed his people to the birth of a child that would show God was present with them, despite the troubles they were facing. With a reminder of that assurance, Joseph gained the courage to keep his pledge with Mary.In the coming of Jesus, God calls our attention to the larger story of his work in the world, a story that assures us of his presence with us. Our human weakness and sin keep us from obeying God and experiencing his presence. But God’s power breaks into our broken lives to rescue us from sin and inspire us to faithful living. God has transformed our stories by becoming a part of them himself.Perhaps Joseph’s greatest strength was his quiet willingness to watch for God’s word to be fulfilled. This Christmas, may we also see the fulfillment of God’s promise to us as we consider the birth of his Son. Thank you, Lord God, for being with us. As we focus on Jesus’ birth, may we see your word fulfilled in our lives, bringing salvation and peace to our troubled souls. Amen.
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Difficult Faithfulness
Joseph . . . had in mind to divorce her quietly. — Matthew 1:19 Having looked at Luke 1 already this month, we know about the angel’s announcement to Mary and the miraculous conception of her son, who would be named Jesus.But Joseph did not know all of this at first. To him, Mary’s story must have sounded ridiculous: Really? A virgin birth?Joseph knew that the law was on his side and that he had every right to end his pledged relationship with Mary. But he was also righteous enough to understand grace.Righteous people understand the need to protect others despite the apparent circumstances. Joseph intended to do the best he could with a bad situation. He felt he had to confront what he saw as Mary’s sin while also living with as much integrity as one could muster when his world had turned upside down.Have you been there? We all face difficult decisions at times. Even seeking to live righteously does not guarantee a life free from hard choices.But God, in his grace, revealed to Joseph that Mary’s child was part of a bigger plan. In fact, God invited Joseph to be part of that plan: to let the world know of forgiveness through Jesus’ birth. Grace invited him into that story. It can do the same for you. God of truth, in a sinful world our vision of righteousness is sometimes cloudy, and our obedience is imperfect. Give us the courage to follow you even when faithfulness is difficult. Amen.
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