The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “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.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Jesus is the Son of God, born here on earth to die for our sins, to save us from eternal damnation. His sacrifice is a free gift for you to receive – the most important gift you’ll ever receive. 

As sinners, our lives are tainted by death. Nothing we can do on our own can save us from that death. There are no acts of charity, no good deeds, no random acts of kindness that will save our souls. 

Jesus was born here on earth and later died to pay the price for our sins.

He died for you and me. He loves us all so much, He wants to give you life. He wants you to live a life of purpose here on earth, and He wants you to enjoy eternal life with Him in heaven after this life on earth is over.

You only have to ask Him, and He will save you.

You can pray right now:

“Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sin. I want to turn away from sin. I want Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life and change me. I need you to save me, God. Help me to love you.”

When you ask God to change you, He does. The bible tells us: “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

You have a new life. You are saved from death and separation from God.

Live this new life with purpose. Live for God.

• Read your Bible and get to know God.

Don’t have a Bible? Get one for free here. If you have an iPhone, you can download this great Bible appand keep God’s Word close to you at all times. Christianity is a relationship with God. You can’t have a good relationship with someone without getting to know Him. You need to read the Bible to know God.

• You also need to pray.

Praying is having a conversation with God. Talk to God. He’s listening to you. It might feel strange at first, but the more you pray, the more you’ll be able to hear God speaking to your heart.

• Find a good church that loves Jesus.

You need to be around other believers. A good church will encourage you and help you live for God. Going to church is good for you! It’s a family of like-minded people with the same purpose.

• Get Baptized.

Getting baptized does not save your soul. God saves your soul. Getting baptized tells the world that you’ve been saved. It’s you proclaiming your new life in Christ. As you are placed under the water, it’s symbolic of being buried. Your old life of sin is dead. And as you are raised up out of the water, it symbolizes your new life in Christ. It is important to be baptized.

• Share what God has done for you.

Tell others about how God has changed your life. Don’t let the ones you love walk in death. Help them find a new life in Jesus Christ. Read your bible to learn scriptures to share. Pray to God and ask Him to give you the words to say when others are hurting. Go to church to learn how to be a disciple of Christ, and how to lead others to a new life in Him. Be baptized as a public demonstration of your commitment to God.

This is your new life, celebrate it and share! Merry Christmas and God bless you!