March 7

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  ¹²This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  (Luke 2:8-12)

Although it is March, we are focusing on the story of Christmas because Luke is the first, and only, writer to go into more detail than the other Gospel authors.  Luke Chapter 2 is the story I read to my family every Christmas.  This is where the nativity story originates. In the verses above we read the scene where an angel of God appears to the shepherds, who will then travel to Bethlehem following the most famous star in the history of mankind.  This scene, and the verses we will look at tomorrow, paint a glorious picture of the moment when the course of mankind was changed dramatically: the day Jesus was born, the ultimate promoter of love and peace entered into our world.  Now we have since failed to understand the message of Jesus and His Gospel’s but I cannot fathom how dark our world would be without the principles taught that have come out of Christianity.  Sometimes I think America has become too forgiving in our justice system, but there is plenty of opportunity for redemption for the lost, but we still see many people led astray and so many in the youth continue to choose crime over living constructive lives.  Why?  I wish I had that answer.  I do think a large part of that problem arises from many not knowing God and Jesus, and the truth of the Gospel. So today, I challenge you to find a way to talk to someone about Jesus Christ and the miracle of that child born in a cold, lonely stable.

Reading plan:  Luke 5:27-39

Deeper reading plan:  Judges 20-21

Prayer and meditation:  continue to pray for your request from day 1 and thank God for the glory of His ultimate plan to redeem mankind.

Fitness challenge:  last month we started the month with a mile for time.  For March, we are going to run a mile and a half for time.  No minimum time, just do your best and we’ll work on improving your time throughout the month.

Serve Day:  we’re into three months of serving!