A baby boy

[Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths.   — Luke 2:7

The full-page advertisement in the newspaper caught my eye immediately. Near the top of the light-blue page was the silhouette of a star. In the center of the page were the words: It’s a boy.

Luke 2:11 was printed across the bottom of the page:  “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (NIV).

This simple message — it’s a boy — proclaimed the indescribable gift of a Savior who came to earth as a baby. Why did He do it?

We needed God to send Jesus. Because of our sin, we were separated from a holy God (Rom. 3:23). A perfect Savior and mediator was needed to bring us back together. Only God could restore the relationship.

God wanted to send Jesus. He loved us so much that He gave His Son (John 3:16) so that our relationship could be restored. Jesus was the only One who could meet His demand for a perfect sacrifice — only He was sinless (Heb. 9:11-15). He willingly gave Himself on the cross. God accepted that sacrifice and raised Him from the dead.

Because of our need and His love, God the Father gave us the gift of Jesus the Son. Accept His gift today — it’s free.  — Anne Cetas

Rejoice, O soul, the debt is paid,

For all our sins on Christ were laid;

We’ve been redeemed, we’re justified —

And all because the Savior died.   — D. De Haan

READ: Luke 2:8-14

Jesus died that we might live.

The Bible in one year:

• Nahum

• Revelation 14