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The Baby Grew
by Steve Troxel (Steve's bio)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from Steve, be sure to visit God's Daily Word.]
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This was perhaps the most peaceful Christmas our family has ever experienced. For the past several weeks we've been talking a great deal about the significance of Jesus' birth and how our focus must remain on Him in the midst of all the justified busyness of the season.
Even our five-year-old thought it would be best to delay opening presents for a day so we could better focus on Jesus. Of course, when she woke up Christmas morning she thought it would be a good tradition to begin NEXT year. The day was relaxing and reflective; several times we prayed that our hearts would remain focused and thankful every day of the year!
This was a wonderful opportunity to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior - the birth the prophet Micah said would occur in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); the birth spoken of by the angels: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11); the birth that John said was when, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." (John 1:14). The very humble beginnings of Jesus, being born in a place better suited for animals, gives us many reasons to celebrate.
But as we now leave this Christmas season, we must not leave the baby lying in a manger. The picture of the baby is cute and a precious gift from our Heavenly Father, but the purpose of this gift was for the baby to grow...and then to die. Jesus walked this earth for 33 years and then: "Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.' When He had said this, He breathed His last." (Luke 23:46). He lived to do the will of the Father, and He died on a cross to set us free.
John 3:14-16
"The Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Remembering the birth of Jesus causes us to reflect on God's love and gives us reason to say, "Thank You!" But remembering His life and death requires us to make a decision. Jesus was (and is) the One who provides the way to eternal life, but only for those who believe in His sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. As another Christmas season passes, let's always remember...the baby grew!
Copyright 2001, Steve Troxel. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Steve Troxel: Steve Troxel is the President of God's Daily Word Ministries. Steve was trained as an Electrical Engineer and received his PhD in 1994. After working as a researcher in a laser laboratory for several years, Steve felt the call from God to leave his trained profession and enter into full-time ministry. His devotionals are now sent around the world via email as well as distributed in book format. More information about this ministry as will as a "sign-up" page can be found at: http://www.godsdailyword.org |
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