You will name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21) Two thousand years ago, the world had no plans to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Quietly, without warning, Joseph and Mary entered Bethlehem and looked for a place to spend the night. It was a busy time for the Judean village, but the excitement had little to do with the anticipated birth. Crowds gathered to take the census. They did not know that Mary would soon give birth to the Saviour. Closer to 2000, that story has changed. People are seriously making preparations in the city of Bethlehem to welcome the approximately four million tourists who will visit this Israeli city on Christmas day 2000. Someone estimates that to prepare for the big day, it will cost 3.5 billion dollars. How different from the first Christmas! It was as if man wanted to make up for the neglected moment of His birth. However, actually proper preparation has nothing to do with money, lodging or places of worship. What matters is the heart. If we want to honor Christ as he is, we must place our complete faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. BEFORE YOU INVITE HIM INTO YOUR HEART * Take from Daily Reflections |
