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, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” 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.  (Luke 2:1-20)

I interrupt my regular writing about The Story Behind the Story, from The Bridge from OneDayBow, to make an all-important announcement: The Messiah has been born! The Lord has come! Yes, it is still a couple of hours (in California, Pacific time) until it is officially Christmas, but each year we are not waiting for His birth but rather celebrating the fact that Jesus Christ was born. Yes, it has been 2000+ years since the blessed event, but it is still absolutely worth celebrating. And like the shepherds that received the angelic proclamation, it is too good of news to keep to myself!

Jesus was born just as God foretold through the prophets in His Holy Word. It is good news of great joy! And just as that is true, His second coming in glory is likewise foretold. But He will not come again as a helpless babe in order to suffer and die as a man for the sins of the world. When He returns He will come as conquering King of kings and Lord of lords. Those who receive Him, who believe in His Name in their lifetime are given the right to become children of God (John 1:12), forgiven of their sin  and saved from eternal punishment. And as His children, we pray, “Come Lord Jesus!” Again!

Many weren’t ready for His first coming and missed the opportunity to experience God’s love and forgiveness. How about you; are you ready for His return with glory? Believe me, you don’t want to miss it! Christmas is a great time to get to know, trust and embrace the love of God in Jesus Christ! Why not today?