Merry Christmas everyone!

Many associate Christmas with presents and gifts, but Christmas is really about the one true gift that was given to us all. 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

As I re-read through the story of Christ’s birth this morning, I saw the story in a new light. This past semester, my small group read through the books of Ruth and Esther. And in those books, we saw how faith, obedience, and God’s providence worked to accomplish God’s will. So when I read this story, I saw that through Elizabeth’s and Mary’s faith, they were able to birth John (who would prepare the way for Jesus) and Jesus (who came to save each and every one of us). I saw how the obedience and actions of Zechariah (Elizabeth’s husband) and Joseph (Mary’s fiancé at the time) confirmed what the angel Gabriel told them. I saw how God used the Roman emperor Augustus to issue a decree that would fulfill the prophecy that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2-3). 

What an honor for God to have so much favor with Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Zechariah. And their faith and obedience enabled generations and generations of people to freely receive the gift of God’s love and salvation. 

I pray that your day is filled with family, friends, laughter, and gratefulness. If you want to read about the story of Jesus’ birth, I’ll link it here. I will also link a video of the sermon our pastor preached this Christmas season, which I hope will encourage you. Although it may be easier said than done, have faith that everything will work in your favor if you follow God and His commands. Your life is more than just about you, just as the life of Jesus Christ was more than just about Him.

Merry Christmas. 

Love, 

Britt ♥