Reading: Luke 2:1-20

We’re still a long way from Christmas, but it’s still a good time to consider this:

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (7).

Babies don’t belong in mangers. They belong where people sleep — in a bed, in the inn.

This Baby, though, belonged in a manger, in a stall.

He belonged there, not because the innkeeper and all his guests despised Him, but because the Baby and His Father put others first.

Others first — that principle should govern my life.

Others first — all the time, but especially when I am entitled to be first or when I have the power to be first.

Others first — yes!

from Luke 2:17

A little bit more from Luke 2: A July Message

Reading: Luke 1:57-80

I am so thankful to serve a promising God.

And a remembering God.

And a doing God.

“To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant” (Luke 1:72).

He promised mercy, so He has been doing mercy.

So much mercy!

I wonder what are some mercy promises I can find quickly. (Hang on a bit while I do it.)

“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (Psalm 23:6).

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).

God does and remembers. Always. I count on it.

from Luke 1:75

A little bit more from Luke 1: He Said It