Do you remember the message to was given about the first Christmas by the angels to the shepherds? Let’s actively share the joy of the Lord with others as we celebrate Christmas, endeavoring to make today merry and bright for everyone we encounter. Do you vividly recall the profound message delivered by the angels to the shepherds about the first Christmas?
‘Now in those days a decree went out from [the emperor] Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited world (the Roman Empire) should be registered [in a census]. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to register for the census, each to his own city. So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was with child. While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [ swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no [private] room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger.” Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known what had been told them about this Child, and all who heard it were astounded and wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them. ‘
Luke 2:1-20
Today’s Verse of the Day:
She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The LORD is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 AMP
Firstly, let’s be the dads who lean in and invite Jesus into our lives and every situation and decision we need to make with joy. Secondly, let’s be the dads who invite Jesus to be our Lord and Savior for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross to pay the price for our sins and become our redeemer. Therefore, let’s be the dads who invite our wives and kids to have this relationship of joy with Jesus too so that we can all spend eternity together with them in heaven.
How can we put today’s verse of the day into practice to help us be the dads who answer the call and step up to live lives that will meet the needs of our wives and kids? What can we take from it to help us live up to the calling of God on our lives and bring Him the praise, honor, and glory in Jesus’ name?
Applications of Matthew 1:21 towards answering the call of God on our lives sharing the joy in order to be the dads our wives and kids need us to be:
- Initiate Salvation: Embrace salvation; decide to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, taking the first deliberate step. This crucial decision not only sets the tone but also forms the foundation for your role as a father.
- Incorporate Jesus into Your Life: Actively involve Jesus in every facet of your life. Consequently, make Him a central figure in your decision-making, daily activities, and interactions with your family.
- Embrace the Redemptive Power: Recognize and internalize the redemptive power of Jesus.
Embrace grace guiding actions, recognizing it redeems from sin and empowers to lead a righteous life. - Reflect Jesus in Actions: Strive to embody the characteristics of Jesus in your daily life. Consistently display love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility in your interactions with your family.
- Share the Message of Salvation: Be intentional about sharing the good news of Jesus with your wife and children. Encourage them to embrace a personal relationship with Christ, experiencing the transformative power of His salvation.
- Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Foster spiritual growth within your family. Engage in regular prayer, Bible study, and worship together. Cultivate an environment where everyone actively grows in their faith.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate the impact of Jesus in your life through your actions. Be a living example of the transformative power of salvation, inspiring your family to seek a deeper connection with God.
- Make Christ-Centered Decisions: Involve Jesus in your decision-making processes.
Seek guidance through prayer and Scripture, ensuring choices actively align with His will for your family. - Create a Christ-Centered Home: Establish a home environment that consciously reflects the principles of Matthew 1:21. Let love, grace, and the pursuit of God’s will actively form the pillars that uphold your family dynamics.
- Express Gratitude and Praise: Regularly express gratitude for the salvation offered through Jesus. Foster a proactive culture of praise and thanksgiving within your family, consistently recognizing God’s active role in your lives.
Let’s lead our families with a Christ-centered focus, fulfilling the responsibilities outlined in His Word to bring joy and live merry and bright lives!
