THE WORD

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:18-25/ Matthew 2:1-12/ Luke 1:26-56/ Luke 2:1-20

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity is built over the place traditionally considered the birthplace of Jesus. A silver star in the floor is said to mark the very spot where Christ is believed to have been born. The olive oil lamps are like those that provided light in the Temple at Jerusalem.

Key Verse: John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The “Word” is one of the many names given for Jesus of Nazareth. God has essentially one “Word” to say to humanity: “JESUS.” Yes, we have many words in Scripture, but the Person and work of Jesus, the Christ (Messiah), sums it all up. “WE BEHELD HIS GLORY.” Pilate, the Roman Governor, said to those gathered in his courtyard, “ECCE HOMO!”…”BEHOLD THE MAN” is the translation of Pilate’s Latin tongue. Behold Him in the word pictures contained in today’s readings. Let us make this Christmas Day in 2016 A.D. (Anno Domine, the “Year of our Lord”) a day when we “Behold” Him with new insight. Almost 1,000 years ago, the 14 point star pictured above was placed on the floor of the cave, 17 feet below the level of the floor of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The points of the star represented the 14 Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem, which were marked for middle-ages pilgrims to remind them of the passion of Christ. We cannot separate the birth of Jesus from His suffering and death. The prophet Isaiah made this clear. Isaiah 7:14 (a virgin shall conceive), Isaiah 9:6 (a Child is born, a Son is given, and another of His Names, Mighty God), and then it’s well worth the time to read Isaiah chapter 53 (click here). These Scriptures will help us to “BEHOLD the MAN.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I am beholding (gazing at intently) You now with a fresh comprehension of Your Glory! Surely You are the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!!! I ask for an ever-increasing flow of grace so that I “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:18-19). Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve taken the liberty to go well over my goal of 100 words to comment on today’s Bible reading, so I’ll just take this time to lift my heart and hands in worship. I believe I’m beholding His Glory. Hallelujah!

Yours for a truly Merry Christmas,

David

P.S. Here’s an extra photo for today from Bethlehem….and here’s another one of the interview videos on Christmas locations in the Holy Land with Moira Brown and Dr. Craig Evans (click here).

A man in Bethlehem carving olive wood. He creates these figures for those who want to buy mementos during their visit to the birthplace of Jesus.