A Savior Is Born for You

Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. — Luke 2:11 HCSB

Would it surprise you to know that December 25 probably isn’t the exact day of Jesus’ birth? Many Orthodox Christians, whose churches never adopted the Gregorian calendar, celebrate Christmas on January 7. And what about the calendar year? Would it shock you to know that many biblical scholars believe Christ was born between 6 and 4 BC? We simply do not know the exact date that the angel declared, “Today a Savior… was born.” But that isn’t the most important part of the message.

Whether today ends up being a wonderful day, or if it doesn’t end up as you hoped it would, the events of today are not the most important part of the celebration.

Wherever today finds you, the message is still the same.

Messiah the Lord was born for you! What a life-altering fact!

Jesus did not come to give us a sweet story to tell. He did not come so that we could have a reason to exchange gifts. Christmas Day is about God giving the gift of His Son to you so that you could belong to Him.

The gift is the same whether you are surrounded by family or alone in your living room. It is the same on January 7 as it is on December 25. In fact, not knowing the exact date of Christ’s birth may be a gift in itself. We do not have to limit our adoration to just one day! A Savior was born for us, and that is worth celebrating any day.

Today, let us commit to celebrating God’s gift each day of the year.

So much about You, God, remains a mystery. But knowing You sent Jesus to save us is enough. Thank You for the gift of your precious Son, amen.

Excerpted with permission from Devotions for Christmas, copyright Zondervan.

* * *

Your Turn

CHRIST IS BORN! REJOICE! Merry Christmas, friends! We pray your day is filled with the awe of the birth of our Savior and joy in Him! ~ Devotionals Daily