"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

I want to share a poem with you today. I wrote the first part of this a few years ago and then added more this year.

As Mary gazed upon her child lying there in the straw,

Sleeping peacefully in the night, her heart was filled with awe.

She thought of what the angel said, the message he had brought.

This Child would be the Promised One the world so long had sought.

No earthly king this child would be, no warrior strong and brave.

But all the world would worship Him, Jehovah, come to save.

When shepherds knelt low at His feet, she saw beyond that day.

Over the Babe in the manger, Calvary's shadow lay.

She did not fully understand all that the years would bring,

But smiled upon her sleeping son, her Saviour, Lord, and King.

At Christmas time, we celebrate Christ's coming from above.

To bring salvation to us all, God's precious gift of love

He's no longer in a manger. He dwells within our hearts.

And as He leads us day by day, His love He does impart.

He gave His life that we might live, He caused our hearts to sing.

And one day soon, He will return to ever reign as King.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we realize that His birth in Bethlehem was just the beginning. Today, we do not worship a baby. We worship our Saviour who brought us redemption. And we look forward to His coming again.

Thought For Today: He's coming back as King, and we will reign with Him forever.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston