Luke 2:1-7
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
If you own any new technology like a radio, you may notice that one of the features is a thing called presets. This function allows you to store and save your favorite radio stations, so you can recall them with a touch of a button. Instantly, you are switched to your favorite listening station.
In God's realm, He established some presets. (We might call these things prophecies). He initiated these "presets" from the beginning. Starting with creation, and the perfection of it, to the entrance of sin, through the troubles and glories in the world, culminating in presenting Himself to the world n the form of a human baby, born in a humble little town, in a humble and lowly animal stable.
As we recall the the birth of Christ through the written account of history in the Gospel of Luke, we too have a preset. We often go to the first and second chapters of Luke's gospel at this time of year to recall and retell the birth of our Lord and Savior.
It is my prayer that we do not forget these presets and those presets that have come from our Father in heaven, who established them from before the foundations of the world. As we look forward to our Christmas gatherings, whether in our homes with loved ones, or in a family gathering at church, let us remember the day when God set into motion, the precious gift that is more valuable than anything in this world. The gift of salvation that is only presented in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
May you all have a blessed and very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!
In Christ's love,
Pastor Tom
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