From On Eagle's Wings

Christmas Eve, December 24



He Pitched His Tent Among Us



Creator’s Word became a flesh-and-blood human being and pitched his

sacred tent among us, living as one of us.” John 1:14a (FNV)



14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,

the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.



[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his

glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace

and truth.



It was early January in a small Arctic community. A group of adults

shuffled outside in the darkness, making their way through the snow and

bitter cold to the Catholic Mission House. It was the second day of a

Caring for the Wounded Heart Healing Group.

Stepping out of the biting wind, they pulled off mittens, hung up parkas,

and slipped off their sealskin winter boots. Their faces began to thaw,

meaning words could be formed again. One of the group posed a

question to the Facilitators.

"These 2.5 hour workshops are too short. Can we do 5 hours a day

instead? We really want to know all that Creator wants us to know about

our trauma and our healing."

Throughout the remaining sessions, the group shared deeply together.

They composed poems, wrote songs, acted in skits, and took part in other

exercises that helped identify, then express, the pain of their hearts.

A closing prayer was offered as the Healing Group concluded on the final

day, and people were free to leave. No one budged. For twenty minutes,

no one even uttered a sound. Finally, an Elder tentatively whispered,

"There is such a special presence here. We do not want to leave."

Creator's Word - Jesus himself - had pitched his sacred tent right there

in the room. And everyone knew it.

This group was reminded that Jesus is with us now, right here in our

midst. Perhaps you can sense him in this very moment. As you celebrate

his coming to dwell with us, may the eyes of your heart be opened to his

powerful presence - not just today - but throughout this next year. Merry

Christmas.



Written by Robin Abrol, Edmonton, Alberta, 2025

Executive Director, On Eagle's Wings



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to come into the Chaos of your world.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, Your birth was revealed to the shepherds,

for You don't despise anyone, and You came to earth to love and save me."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a selfless giver.



Pray to the Lord and pray not to be chiked ny the riches of this World.



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek The Lord's Wisdom.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel

at every level of Society in your country.



Pray: Jesus, we glorify your breathtaking condescension! Amen.



Pray: Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can

conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.



Pray: Lord. Keep showing us how to be angels so that we can love and serve

you, on a "wing and a prayer" In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Jesus, thank you that you are genuinely present with us every day. May

we come to know the fullness of your presence like this small group in

the Arctic. May we experience Emmanuel, God with us, this special day

and throughout the year ahead. Amen.



Pray that Kazakh Christians will be equipped

to step boldly into leadership roles (Acts 13:47).



47 (Isa 49:6; Lk 2:32) For thus has the Lord commanded us:

'I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'(Isa 42:6; 49:6.)"



[47] For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a

light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of

the earth.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

3) Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 4 - Giving and Receiving



Luke 6:38



38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,

shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."



38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,

and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured

to you again.



"Just give the Lord", the voice on the radio declared. "Give, and he will

give back to you, a hundredfold." The preacher went on to explain how

an old woman on social security had sent her last $10 to support his

ministry, and the next day she got an anonymous money order for

a $1000 . "The Lord will be faithful to his Word," the preacher

concluded. "You give, and you'll receive."

The Lord is, of course, faithful to his Word. But many well-meaning Christians

have interpreted Luke 6:38 as a "payment in kind" bargain with God:

if I give God my dollar, he's obliged to return it to me with interest.

This "seed-sowing" fallacy, where $20 supposedly becomes $2000 by

an act of divine, multiplication, has caused much

disappointment and frustration.

The "giving and receiving" principle is a valid one; the Lord does, indeed say

"Give, and it will be given to you," but he does not specify what the "return"

will be. The verse appears in the context of forgiveness, of not judging; the

principle is not investment, in any material sense, but generosity.

As we give, as few are compassionate with others, we take on the

character of the Lord himself. He is generous and giving, and he gives

to us as we give ourselves in love to others.



Application



a) Have I ever "given" to God to others as a bribe, to get something

in return?



b) What is God's concept of giving, as demonstrated

in the gift of Jesus Christ?



c) How can this verse help me to give more selflessly?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Mark 4:19



19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,

and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,

and it proves unfruitful.



19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,

and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,

and it becometh unfruitful.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Burdened by Doubt



James 1:2 to 8



Faith and Wisdom



2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,

3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.

4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,

lacking nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men

liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers

is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.

7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.

8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.



2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect

and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men

liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)

7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 24 of the Month



a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel

at every level of Canadian Society. (



Col 4:3



3 while praying also for us, that God would open to

us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in chains,



3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto

us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in bonds:



)



b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan



I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,

that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)



Christmas Eve



From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck



Friday, Fourth Week of Advent



"Charity-giving to the poor-is an essential part of Christian morality....

I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the

only safe rule is to give more than we can spare," - C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 86.)



Give Because God Gave



The best giving happened on the first Christmas, when God gave his Son.

He gave out of love to a world in need of love, but deserving none of it.

When John writes that "God is love" (1 John 4:8), he is saying that God

is a giver, who thinks outside of himself, selflessly taking care of the

needs of others. Mark wrote, "For even the Son of man did not come to be

served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many"

(Mark 10:45). That is true servanthood, suffering servanthood.



Financial guru and popular radio talk show host Dave Ramsey says that

Christians are closer to the nature of God when they give. "God so loved

the world that he gave," and we show our love for one another when we give.

Our motivation comes from the Gospel, which is the story of God's giving

his Son. "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

Loving and giving are bound together like two peas in a pod.



When we give, we often ask how much we should give. This is where Lewis helps

us, saying bluntly that giving is essential Christian morality. While he

admits that he can't specify how much we ought to give, he suggests that

comfortable giving is not the rule. Uncom­fortable giving is. That is, we

should give more than we can spare. Then it is a sacrifice to give,

and that's how God gave. Sacrificially.



Give me a heart, Lord, that gives as you gave. Amen.



For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.



John 3:16



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



CHRISTMAS EVE



Stratchy Straw



And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.



-Luke 2:7



My favorite portrayal of Christ's birth took place in a congregation's

dramatisation of the event. A mentally­ handicapped child had been given

the part of the innkeeper because all he had to say was "No room!"

On Christmas Eve, he repeatedly shouted "No room!" as he had been

instructed, but when the couple turned away-she obviously expecting

soon-a tear splashed on the child's face, and abruptly he blurted,

"Wait! Come back! I'll find you a place."



We all want things to have been less complicated for Mary and her child.

Giving birth in a stable, with perhaps some strange attendants

(like an ox or a donkey, as some paintings of the Nativity depict),

couldn't have been easy, but perhaps this, too, should be understood

as part of the sufferings of Christ. A manger with abrasive hay must

not have been exceedingly comfortable. Chiefly, Christ gave up his home

with the Father to humble himself in becoming flesh.

As one pastor said in a sermon forty years ago,

"Imagine if the shoemaker would become a shoe!"



prayer



Jesus, we glorify your breathtaking condescension! Amen.



Read Luke 2:1-14.



Luke 2



The Birth of Jesus



Mt 1:18-25



1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.

2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth

in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,

because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.

7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.



The Shepherds and the Angels



8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.

10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.

For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.

11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day

in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:

You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company

of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, and good will toward men."



From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



FOURTH FRIDAY

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANGELS!



The angel said to them, "But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.

For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. " LUKE 2:10



The AH-HAs of angels are all around us--not just at Christmas, but always

Who has been an angel to you lately? Who has brought you the good

news of Jesus' love through winsome words. assuring smiles. holy hugs?



And who have you been an angel to lately? With whom have you shared

the "Don't be afraid!" messaged Remember hearing from your mom or

dad the comforting words of "Don't be afraid"? They were not words of

judgment or despair but rather words of comfort and hope. And that's

what angels do, whether they have wings or not.



A little girl was so proud to be picked to be the Christmas angelic the

Christmas pageant. She repeated today's lesson from Luke 2 over and

over and over. But during the worship service, as she proudly started to

wiggle her wings above the holy cardboard box (aka. manger), she saw

her family and friends watching her and sine suddenly forgot the lines.

Yet. even though she couldn't recall the words. she did remember

the message. As she boldly kept fluttering about, she shouted out.

"Wow. do I have good news for you!"

That's what angels do. They did it in the shepherds' field of Bethlehem.

and they continue to share the good news of Christ's love and forgiveness

in Boston, Bloomingdale and Birmingham. Angels cannot undo the UH-OHs

of our lives, but they can point us to the One who brings us to his

embrace of grace.

"Don't be afraid," we say to each other: the AH-HA of Christmas has arrived!



Lord. Keep showing us how to be angels so that we can love and serve

you, on a "wing and a prayer" In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Luke 2:8-14



8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.

10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.

For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.

11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day

in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:

You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company

of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, and good will toward men."

Luke 2:1-38



The Birth of Jesus



Mt 1:18-25



1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.

2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth

in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,

because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.

7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.



[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from

Caesar Augustus, that all 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, every one into his own city.

[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into

Judaea, 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.



The Shepherds and the Angels



8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.

10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.

For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.

11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day

in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:

You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company

of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, and good will toward men."

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said

to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened,

which the Lord has made known to us."

16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,

and the Baby lying in a manger.

17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word

which was told them concerning this Child.

18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.

19 (Lk 2:51; Ge 37:11) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them

in her heart.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things

they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.



[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 in the city of David 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 the 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 one to another, Let us now go even unto

Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath

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 they 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.



The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple



21 (Lk 1:31; 1:59) When eight days had passed and the Child was circumcised,

He was named ­JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived

in the womb.

22 When the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses

were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord

23 (Ex 13:2; Nu 3:13)(as it is written in the law of the Lord,

"Every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord"

Ex 13:2, 12; Nu 3:13; 8:17.)

24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord,

"a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Lev 5:11; 12:8.

25 (Lk 1:6; 2:38) Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,

and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26 (Jn 8:51; Heb 11:5) It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 (Lk 2:41; 2:48) Led by the Spirit, he came into the temple. And when

the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according

to the custom of the law,

28 (Lk 1:64) he received Him in his arms and blessed God and said:

29 (Ge 15:15; Lk 2:26) "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace,

according to Your word;

30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation

31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,

32 (Isa 49:6; 9:2; 60:19) a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of Your people Israel."

33 Joseph and His mother were amazed at those things which were spoken

about Him.

34 (1Co 1:23; Mt 21:44; Ac 28:22) Then Simeon blessed them

and said to Mary His mother, "Listen, this Child is destined to cause the fall

and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign which will be spoken against,

35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And a sword will pierce through your own soul also."

36 (Ac 21:9; Ex 15:20) And there was Anna a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel,

of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived

with her husband seven years from her virginity.

37 (1Ti 5:5; Ac 14:23) And she was a widow of about 84 years of age

who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting

and prayer night and day.

38 (Lk 2:25; 1:68) Coming at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord

and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.



[21] And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the

child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he

was conceived in the womb.

[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses

were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the

Lord;

[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the

womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of

the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and

the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and

the Holy Ghost was upon him.

[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see

death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought

in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

[28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

[29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy

word:

[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken

of him.

[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this

child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign

which shall be spoken against;

[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the

thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the

tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven

years from her virginity;

[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed

not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and

spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.



Matthew 2



The Visit of the Wise Men



1 (Lk 2:4-7; Mic 5:2) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea

in the days of Herod the king, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem,

2 (Nu 24:17; Jer 23:5; Zec 9:9) saying, "Where is He who was born King

of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come

to worship Him."

3 When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled,

and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people

together, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.

5 (Ge 35:19) They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is

what the prophet wrote:

6 (Mic 5:2; Jn 7:42) 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are no longer least among the princes of Judah;

for out of you shall come a Governor,

who will shepherd My people Israel.'[Ps 91:11-12.]"

7 Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men,

carefully inquired of them what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,

"Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him,

bring me word again, so that I may come and worship Him also."

9 When they heard the king, they departed. And the star which they saw

in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young

Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.

11 (Ps 72:10; Mt 14:33) And when they came into the house,

they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down

and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures,

they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 (Mt 2:22; 27:19) But being warned in a dream that they should

not return to Herod, they returned to their own country

by another route.



[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the

king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his

star in the east, and are come to worship him.

[3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all

Jerusalem with him.

[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people

together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

[5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written

by the prophet,

[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the

princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my

people Israel.

[7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them

diligently what time the star appeared.

[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for

the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may

come and worship him also.

[9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which

they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where

the young child was.

[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with

Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened

their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and

myrrh.

[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to

Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2



The Escape to Egypt



13 (Ac 5:19; Mt 1:20) Now when they departed, the angel of the Lord

appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying,

"Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and escape to Egypt,

and stay there until I bring you word.

For Herod will seek the young Child to kill Him."

14 When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night,

and departed into Egypt,

15 (Hos 11:1; Ex 4:22) and remained there until the death of Herod,

to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet,

"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."

A talent was worth several hundred pounds.



[13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to

Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother,

and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod

will seek the young child to destroy him.

[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and

departed into Egypt:

[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I

called my son.



The Killing of the Infants



16 (Isa 59:7) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked

by the wise men, was utterly furious and sent forth and killed

all the male children who were in Bethlehem and the surrounding region,

from two years old and under, based on the time which he had diligently

inquired of the wise men.

17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet:

18 (Jer 31:15; Ge 42:36) "In Ramah a voice was heard,

grieving and weeping and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children,

and she would not be comforted,

because they are no more."[-21 Isa 42:1-4].



[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was

exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in

Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,

according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great

mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,

because they are not.



The Return From Egypt



19 (Mt 1:20) But when Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared

in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 (Ex 4:19) saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother,

and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought

the young Child's life are dead."

21 And he rose, took the young Child and His mother,

and came into the land of Israel.

22 (Lk 2:39) But when he heard that Archelaus reigned in Judea

instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Nevertheless,

being warned by God in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee.

23 (Jn 1:45-46; Jdg 13:5) And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth,

that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled,

"He shall be called a Nazarene."



[19] But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a

dream to Joseph in Egypt,

[20] Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the

land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

[21] And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into

the land of Israel.

[22] But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his

father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of

God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

[23] And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be

fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.



Luke 2:39-52



The Return to Nazareth



39 (Lk 2:4) When they had performed everything according to the law

of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.

40 (Lk 2:52; 1:80) And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,

filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him.



[39] And when they had performed all things according to the law of the

Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and

the grace of God was upon him.



The Boy Jesus in the Temple



41 (Dt 16:1-8; 1Sa 1:3) Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year

at the Feast of the Passover.

42 When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according

to the custom of the feast.

43 When the days of the feast were complete, as they returned,

the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem.

And Joseph and His mother did not know of it.

44 But supposing Him to be in their company, they went a day's journey.

Then they searched for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.

46 (Lk 5:17) After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting

in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

47 (Mt 7:28; Mk 1:22) All who heard Him were astonished

at His understanding and His answers.

48 When they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him,

"Son, why have You dealt with us like this?

Look, Your father and I have anxiously searched for You."

49 (Jn 4:34) He said to them, "How is it that you searched for Me? Did you

not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

50 (Lk 18:34; Mk 9:32) But they did not understand the word which

He spoke to them.

51 (Lk 2:19; Mk 6:3) Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth

and was obedient to them. But His mother kept all these words in her heart.

52 (1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:40) And Jesus increased in wisdom

and in stature and in favor with God and men.



[41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the

passover.

[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the

custom of the feast.

[43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus

tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

[44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's

journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

[45] And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem,

seeking him.

[46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the

temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking

them questions.

[47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and

answers.

[48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him,

Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought

thee sorrowing.

[49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I

must be about my Father's business?

[50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

[51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto

them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

[52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and

man.



2) Our Daily Bread for 24 December 2025 titled

From Fright to Delight by Amy Boucher Pye



Luke 2:8-14



The Shepherds and the Angels



8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.

10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.

For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.

11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day

in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:

You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company

of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, and good will toward men."



[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 in the city of David 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 the 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.



Many historians believe the first-ever radio broadcast of music and speech was

heard by radio operators on US Navy and other ships in the Atlantic

on Christmas Eve, 1906. Instead of the usual beeps and pulses to transmit

codes, they listened to Reginald Fessenden play a violin solo of the Christmas

carol "O, Holy Night." Fessenden closed his broadcast by echoing the angels'

praise: "Glory to God in the highest heaven!" (Luke 2:14).

The listeners must have been startled by the evocative music

and statement of praise over the birth of Jesus.



The first people surprised by Jesus' birth were the shepherds who'd

been keeping to their usual business of watching their sheep

at night (Luke 2:8). Then an angel appeared, shining with the glory of God

and giving the shepherds a fright (v. 9). The angel urged them not to be

afraid and declared: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all

the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is

the Messiah, the Lord" (vv. 10-11). The shepherds left their sheep to

investigate the angel's words and found the baby lying in a manger,

just as they had been told (vv. 16, 20).



The shepherds accepted this good news of great joy.

May we too rejoice and share the wonders of Jesus' birth and life.



Reflect & Pray



How do you think you would have reacted to the news the angel proclaimed?

Why do you think God chose to reveal His Son’s birth to them?



Dear Jesus, Your birth was revealed to the shepherds,

for You don't despise anyone, and You came to earth to love and save me.



Discover more about the Christmas story.

Luke 1:39-80



Mary Visits Elizabeth



39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,

to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped

in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."



The Song of Mary



46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded

the low estate of His servant;

surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His name.

50 His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of low degree.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

in remembrance of His mercy,

55 as He spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

56 Mary remained with her about three months

and returned to her own house.



[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with

haste, into a city of Juda;

[40] And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,

the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among

women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

[43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears,

the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of

those things which were told her from the Lord.

[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

[48] For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold,

from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his

name.

[50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in

the imagination of their hearts.

[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low

degree.

[53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent

empty away.

[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own

house.



The Birth of John the Baptist



57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.

58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,

and they rejoiced with her.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.

And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.

60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”

61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives

who is called by this name."

62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.

63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."

And they all were amazed.

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,

and he spoke and praised God.

65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts

were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.

66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,

"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.



[57] Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she

brought forth a son.

[58] And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great

mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

[59] And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the

child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

[60] And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

[61] And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by

this name.

[62] And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

[63] And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John.

And they marvelled all.

[64] And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he

spake, and praised God.

[65] And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings

were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

[66] And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What

manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.



The Prophecy of Zechariah



67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit

and prophesied, saying,

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for He has visited and redeemed His people,

69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of His servant David,

70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,

71 that we should be saved from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us,

72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember His holy covenant,

73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,

74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,

might serve Him without fear,

75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.

76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;

for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people

by the remission of their sins,

78 through the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace."

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,

and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.



[67] And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and

prophesied, saying,

[68] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his

people,

[69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his

servant David;

[70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since

the world began:

[71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that

hate us;

[72] To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy

covenant;

[73] The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

[74] That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of

our enemies might serve him without fear,

[75] In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

[76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou

shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

[77] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of

their sins,

[78] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high

hath visited us,

[79] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.

[80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts

till the day of his shewing unto Israel.



Matthew 1:18-25



The Birth of Jesus Christ



Lk 2:1-7



18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:

After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,

she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.

19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man

and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce

her privately.

20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel

of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,

for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,

for He will save His people from their sins."

22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord

had spoken through the prophet, saying,

23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,

and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"

[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."

24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord

had commanded him, and remained with his wife,

25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth

to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.



[18] 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 publick 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.

Matthew 1:1-17



The Genealogy of Jesus Christ



Lk 3:23-38



1 (Ge 22:18; Isa 11:1; Ro 1:3) The book of the genealogy

of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:

2 (Ge 25:26; Ac 7:8) Abraham was the father of Isaac,

Isaac the father of Jacob,

and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

3 (Ge 46:12; 38:29-30) Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar,

Perez the father of Hezron,

and Hezron the father of Ram.

4 Ram was the father of Amminadab,

Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

and Nahshon the father of Salmon.

5 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25) Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab,

Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth,

and Obed the father of Jesse.

6 (1Sa 16:1; 17:12) Jesse was the father of David the king.

David the king was the father of Solomon,

by her who had been the wife of Uriah.

7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam,

Rehoboam the father of Abijah,

and Abijah the father of Asa.

8 (1Ch 3:11) Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat,

Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,

and Joram the father of Uzziah.

9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham,

Jotham the father of Ahaz,

and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.

10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,

Manasseh the father of Amon,

and Amon the father of Josiah.

11 (Jer 27:20; Da 1:2) Josiah was the father of Jeconiah

and his brothers about the time they were exiled to Babylon.

12 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 3:2) And after they were brought to Babylon,

Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,

and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.

13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud,

Abiud the father of Eliakim,

and Eliakim the father of Azor.

14 Azor was the father of Zadok,

Zadok the father of Akim,

and Akim the father of Eliud.

15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar,

Eleazar the father of Matthan,

and Matthan the father of Jacob.

16 (Mt 27:17; Lk 3:23) And Jacob was the father of Joseph,

the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations,

from David until the exile to Babylon are fourteen generations,

and from the exile in Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations.



[1] The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the

son of Abraham.

[2] Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas

and his brethren;

[3] And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom;

and Esrom begat Aram;

[4] And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson

begat Salmon;

[5] And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and

Obed begat Jesse;

[6] And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of

her that had been the wife of Urias;

[7] And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

[8] And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

[9] And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat

Ezekias;

[10] And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat

Josias;

[11] And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they

were carried away to Babylon:

[12] And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel;

and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

[13] And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim

begat Azor;

[14] And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

[15] And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat

Jacob;

[16] And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who

is called Christ.

[17] So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations;

and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen

generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are

fourteen generations.



Luke 1:5-38



The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold



5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest

named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And his wife was

of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments

and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren,

and they both were now well advanced in years.

8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,

9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn

incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side

of the altar of incense.

12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer

has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,

and you shall call his name John.

14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink

neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,

even from his mother's womb.

16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,

to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children

and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready

a people prepared for the Lord."

18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this?

For I am an old man and my wife well advanced in years."

19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.

And I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

20 And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day

that these things happen, because you did not believe my words,

which will be fulfilled in their season."

21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited

so long in the temple.

22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived

that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them

and remained speechless.

23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,

he departed to his own home.

24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months

she hid herself, saying,

25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,

to take away my reproach among men."



The Birth of Jesus Foretold



26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,

of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.

The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."

29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered

in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.

30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found

favour with God.

31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son

and shall call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.

And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,

33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.

And of His kingdom there will be no end."

34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"

35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.

Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.

36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.

And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.

37 For with God nothing will be impossible."

38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according

to your word." Then the angel departed from her.



[5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest

named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of

Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

[6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments

and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

[7] And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both

were now well stricken in years.

[8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before

God in the order of his course,

[9] According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn

incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

[10] And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time

of incense.

[11] And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right

side of the altar of incense.

[12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

[13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is

heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his

name John.

[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his

birth.

[15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither

wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from

his mother's womb.

[16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

[17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn

the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom

of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

[18] And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am

an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

[19] And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the

presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad

tidings.

[20] And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day

that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words,

which shall be fulfilled in their season.

[21] And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so

long in the temple.

[22] And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived

that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and

remained speechless.

[23] And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were

accomplished, he departed to his own house.

[24] And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five

months, saying,

[25] Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me,

to take away my reproach among men.

[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city

of Galilee, named Nazareth,

[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of

David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly

favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her

mind what manner of salutation this should be.

[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour

with God.

[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,

and shalt call his name JESUS.

[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the

Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom

there shall be no end.

[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a

man?

[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come

upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore

also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of

God.

[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her

old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.

[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according

to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Day 358, 24 December 2024 - Chistmas Eve



At Cavlary Community Church

Pastor Barry Regier Addresses Joy in the Midst of Chaos.



Zoom Out for a moment to the historical context



I) Joy shines in the darkeness



Luke 1:14



14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.



[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his

birth.



After 400 years God breaks the silence with a message of joy and gladness.



Jonh 1:5



5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.



[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.



II) Think of Mary ... joy rises in uncertainty.



Luke 1:46-47



46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.



[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.



Joy and courage!



III) Joy also shows up in tiredness and exhaustion



Joseph and a very pregnant Mary traveling from Nazareth to Jerusalem.



IV) Even Joseph ...



Joy wins in the midst of disillusionmant.



V) That the shepherds ... joy breaks into fear.



Luke 2:9-10



9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.

10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.

For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.



[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.



Joy invades fear!



VI) What about the Magi .. joy show up on the journey!



Matthew 2:9b-10



9 ... And the star which they saw

in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young

Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.



[9] ... and, lo, the star, which

they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where

the young child was.

[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.



Invite Christ into the chaos of your life.



John 14:6



6 (Jn 10:9; 1:14; Ac 4:12) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,

and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.



[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man

cometh unto the Father, but by me.



Colossians 1:15-21



The Person and Work of Christ



15 (2Co 4:4; Jn 1:18) He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn

of every creature.

16 (Jn 1:3; Ro 11:36) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven

and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones,

or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him

and for Him.

17 (Jn 8:58; Heb 1:3) He is before all things,

and in Him all things hold together.

18 (Ac 26:23; Eph 1:22-23) He is the head of the body, the church.

He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things

He may have the preeminence.

19 (Jn 1:16; Col 2:9) For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness

should dwell,

20 (Eph 1:10; Ro 5:1) and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him,

having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say-whether

they are things in earth, or things in heaven.

21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies

in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled



[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in

earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or

principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the

firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to

reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in

earth, or things in heaven.

[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by

wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled



Matthew 11:28-30



Come to Me and Rest



28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened,

and I will give you rest.

29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.

For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

[Jer 6:16. ]

30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”



[28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give

you rest.

[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in

heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.



1) Jesus Christ coming onto the world as a baby



Mark 1:1



1 (Mt 14:33) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.



[1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;



Luke 1:1-4



The Prologue



1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things

which are most surely believed among us,

2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning

were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,

3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things

from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,

most excellent Theophilus,

4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.



[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration

of those things which are most surely believed among us,

[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were

eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all

things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent

Theophilus,

[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast

been instructed.



John 1:1-18



The Word Became Flesh



1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing

was created that was created.

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.

5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John.

7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light,

that all men through Him might believe.

8 He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify

concerning the Light.

9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him,

yet the world did not know Him.

11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.

12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,

to those who believed in His name,

13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,

the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, "This was He of whom I said,

'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "

16 We have all received from His fullness grace upon grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came

through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father's side,

has made Him known.



[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the

Word was God.

[2] The same was in the beginning with God.

[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all

men through him might believe.

[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into

the world.

[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world

knew him not.

[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the

sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of

the will of man, but of God.

[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his

glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace

and truth.

[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I

spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus

Christ.

[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in

the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.