December 18 Christmas Devotion
Joy to the world! The Lord has come!
Where does our joy come from? Are we chasing after pleasure in things that cannot truly satisfy? The Bible shows us true hope in God. Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope!” Let your joy come from hope—joy and hope are firmly connected.
On that all-important night when it was revealed to the shepherds that the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, the shepherds immediately went to the city of David to verify the news. Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus had required a census (Luke 2:1–3), and through God’s sovereignty, Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4–5). Jesus was born, wrapped in cloths, and placed in a manger (Luke 2:6–7).
A powerful moment occurred on that night in Luke’s Gospel when an angel of the Lord appeared and proclaimed good news for all people (Luke 2:8–12): “Do not be afraid. 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” A multitude of angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest” (2:14).
The shepherds found the baby Jesus lying in a manger, thereby verifying the news (2:15–16). They found the baby just as God had said through the angels. God is always faithful and keeps His Word. The shepherds experienced a holy moment.
After gazing upon the unique and holy God-man, a baby, God incarnate, lying in a feeding trough, “they spread the word (2:17).
A Savior has been born to you and for you, taking your place as your substitute on the cross. He came for both the faithful and unfaithful to save us from our sins. The core of Christmas is that the Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world—this is real history, and it must become your story.
I close with three questions:
Is He “Savior” to you?
Is He “Messiah” (Christ) and “Lord” to you?
Is Christmas part of your story?
This Christmas, instead of filling our lives with things meant to bring joy, let's decide to adore Immanuel. As you glorify and praise Him for what you have seen and heard, let the story of Jesus transform you. After Christmas, return to your life changed by hope, not as the same person, but as someone renewed by the real meaning of Christmas.
The hope of the world has come. Joy to the world! The Lord has come!