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A Birth to Celebrate

by Mark Finley

 
There is no more exciting event inn a married couple's life than the birth of their first child. My wife and I were 25 years old when our daughter Debbie was born.

I was so certain that the baby would be a girl, I bought a cute little bright - and I mean bright - red dress. You can only imagine our baby girl with a newborn's reddish complexion in that bright red dress. She lit up the entire hospital. To say that Teenie and I were excited about the birth of our firstborn is an understatement. To say that we prepared for the event is a further understatement.

We read every child-training book we could get our hands on. We attended natural childbirth classes together. We picked out colours for the new arrival's room. WE painted the room pink. We bought a crib, baby clothes, and toys. When Debbie was born we were ready.

God was excited about the birth of His Son too. Angel choruses announced His arrival. Shepherds and wise men heralded His birth. The voices of prophecies centuries old proclaimed the birth of the Messiah.

Isaiah the prophet predicted the Christ child would be born of a virgin. (Isa. 7:14) Jacob said He would be of the lineage of Judah. (Gen. 49:10) The prophet Micah declared that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2) Heaven did everything it could to prepare the world for the Saviour's birth.

This was no ordinary birth. Jesus was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb. This was no ordinary child. Jesus was the divine Son of God dwelling in human flesh, the divine-human Christ.

The angel announces Jesus' mission to Joseph. "She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."(Matt 1:21)

His mission was clearly defined by heaven - to save His people from their sins.

The baby born in Bethlehem's manger  is your Saviour and mine. The Christmas season is a time to celebrate and rejoice. It's a time to praise. We were not left lone in the depth's of our sin. In the darkness of our rebellion, there is a light. Imprisoned in sin's bondage there is hope.

We can rejoice. In the baby born in Bethlehem's manger God has sent us an undeniable message of His love. He will fill your life with joy and rejoicing this Christmas season.

Mark Finley prepared the above devotional reading for December 25 2003 published in "Solid Ground"  a Daily Devotional for Adults and published in Australia by the Signs Publishing Company.

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