19th December 2025

The Sign In The Sky 

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy . . . 

 Luke 2:9

Today's Bible Reading:  Luke 2:8-20.

In Luke 2, the Bible introduces us to a group of shepherds, who are out in the fields at night, keeping a protective eye on the flocks with which they have been entrusted. For them, this was just another boring night with the sheep. Then, suddenly, the sky was filled with light. An angel descended from Heaven, clothed with light. The normalcy of that tranquil evening was shattered, and the Bible says, “they were greatly afraid” (v 9). That phrase means that they were, “seized with great fear” and with a desire to run away. They were terrified! After calming them, the angel proclaims to them the Good News of the Saviour's birth (v 10).

But how are the shepherds to know that the angel's message is true? The angel gives them an authentication test, a sign, in Luke 2:12 the Bible says; “This will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

The sign consists of two elements. The baby is: 1. Wrapped in cloths, and 2. Lying in a manger.

The swaddling clothes are "strips of cloth like bandages, wrapped around young infants to keep their limbs straight." In those days, there was nothing unique about being wrapped this way. However, the second sign is that the newborn would be found in a manger, a feeding trough that is unique! A manger indicates the location in some kind of stable, or a stable in a cave. When the shepherds hurried down into Bethlehem, they found things just as the angel had told them.

I believe that God chose the shepherds because He wanted to show that His love and His grace is available to all; that He is no respecter of persons. He does not show more respect to kings than He does to hourly wageworkers.

But today, I ask you directly: What are you doing with this "Good News of great joy"? How much have you shared it?

Prayer: Father, thank You for this glimpse into the glorious announcement of your Son's birth, heralded by an army of angels. All heaven rejoices! Thank you. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

18th December 2025

Do Not Over Look Christmas 

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:14 

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-24 – Matt 2:1-11.

Christmas can be a dangerous time! No, I am not referring to shopping, I am talking about the Christmas story. There is a danger that we can hear it so often that it become too familiar. There is a danger that we can overlook the great significance of the message because we are too familiar with it.

Every year we tell the same story told in the same ways. We talk about shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. If we are not careful this annual handling of this precious truth might just cause us to take it for granted. We know all the details and if we are not careful, our familiarity with the Christmas story and its message can cause us to overlook just how amazing it really is.

Therefore, today, I want to challenge you to read the Christmas story afresh and see it again for the first time.

Prayer: Father, do not allow me to overlook the reason for Christmas. Help me to simplify my activities and traditions so I can focus on the celebration of Your Son's birth. Amen.

17th December 2025

Christmas Traditions

Behold, for I bring you good tidings of great joy . . .

For there is born to you this day in the city of David

a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 

Luke 2;10-11

Today's Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-10.

This Christmas, if you eat striped sweet tree canes, say “danke schön” to the Germans, for that confectionery treat was first created in Cologne. As you admire your poinsettia, say “gracias” to Mexico, where the plant originated. Say “merci beaucoup” to the French for the term noel, and give a “cheers” to the English for their mistletoe.

But as we enjoy our traditions and festivities at Christmastime—customs that have been collected from around the world, let us save our most sincere and heartfelt “thank you” for our good, merciful, and loving God. From Him came the reason for our Christmas celebration: the baby born in that Judean manger more than 2,000 years ago. An angel announced the arrival of this gift to mankind by saying, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy . . . a Saviour has been born to you” (Luke 2:10–11).

This Christmas, even in the light of the sparkling Christmas tree surrounded by newly opened presents, the true excitement comes when we turn our attention to the baby named Jesus, who came to “save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). His birth transcends tradition: It is our focus as we give praises to God for His indescribable Christmas gift.

Prayer: Loving Father, thank You, for Your indescribable Gift, the Lord Jesus, Himself. In His name. Amen.