The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
And you will recognize Him by this sign:
You will find a baby wrapped snuggly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:11

Our first vision of Jesus is a baby lying in a manger, with shepherds and animals and Mary and Joseph all gazing at this beautiful baby.  It’s the Christmas scene, a beautiful one that we see on greeting cards and church programs.  But don’t leave Him in the manger.

Tiny, sweet, delicate and small, this helpless baby grew and lived an amazing life…
witnessed to many,
fed the five thousand,
healed the sick,
gave sight to the blind,
gave life to the dead,
and ultimately carried His own Cross and died for us.
Then He rose again after three days,
ascended into Heaven,
leaving us the gift of the Holy Spirit,
and He will come back to earth as King of Kings.

Out of that manger came a Savior Who came to earth to become a man, to walk the streets as we do, and to experience life before us…so that we could live by His example.  He was despised and rejected and hated by many.  And He was followed by crowds of people, longing to be healed.  He was loved by His Father, yet  sacrificed for us, God’s children.

Do you ever wonder what kind of follower you would’ve been?  Would you have believed that HE was who He said He was?  Would you have had the faith to touch His garment knowing you would be healed?  What is so amazing is that even today, your faith can move mountains.  Your faith in Jesus can still heal sickness.  Your faith in Him can bring plenty of provision to your family and your belief inHim can save your life.

Yes, He came as a baby and we still picture Him in the stable in the manger on that first Christmas night with the bright star leading the shepherds to Him.  But we can’t leave Him in the manger. We must bring Him into our lives, into our hearts and let Him lead us and guide us into being all that God has created us to be.  There is so much good that He wants for us, if only we will have the faith and the courage and endurance to walk with Him through the hard and sometimes the impossible.  And without Him, life is impossible.

He is for you and He is waiting with His nail pierced hands open to accept you into His Kingdom.

Do you want Him to be Lord of your life?

I pray, today, that you ask Jesus to come into your heart and to be Lord of your life.  If you made this decision today, I ask you to pray this prayer.

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and I need forgiveness.  I believe that Jesus is Your Son and He came to earth as a baby and grew to be Son of Man.  He sacrificed His life on the cross for our sins so that we can live a life of freedom.  I want this for my life.  Walk with me now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

*   ♥  ~  ✝  ~  ★    *

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our sins;
the punishment that brought us peace was on Him,
and by His wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV