You Will Find a Baby

"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” — Luke 2:12 

The angels told the shepherds where to find baby Jesus.

They said there would be a clear sign of the Christ child.

The shepherds were told to look for a baby wrapped in cloths.

That baby would be lying in a manger.

The feed trough for oxen.

From this humble birth our Savior came.

We anticipate His come with expectation and joy!

A Savior Is Born

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. — Luke 2:11 

Latch-Hook tree skirt by Kirk & Carol 1985

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we focus on the coming of Jesus.

Advent means coming.

And Jesus is our Lord and Savior.

Who was born in Bethlehem, the town of David.

He is our Messiah and Lord.

We worship him with our songs of joy.

Good News of Great Joy

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." — Luke 2:10 

Mary was fearful and startled to see an angel appear before her.

But the angel Gabriel brought her good news.

He announced the coming of Jesus!

News that would cause great joy for all people.

Not the worldly temporal joy that we often celebrate this time of year.

But the deep-seated, everlasting joy of God coming to earth as a man.

And saving us from our sins.

How great our joy!

Shepherds Living Out in the Fields

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  — Luke 2:8-9 

When Jesus was born, there were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks of sheep.

At night an angel of Lord appeared to them.

The glory of the Lord shone around them.

And they were afraid - terrified!

But the angel had come to tell them the good news of Jesus' birth.

And when they heard it, they got so excited that they ran off to tell others.

This is great news of tremendous joy!

We should be sharing it with our friends and neighbors, too.

Her Firstborn, a Son

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. — Luke 2:6-7 

During this time of Advent, we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

Remembering His birth and humble beginnings as a baby.

And how Mary rejoiced in God when she heard the news that a Savior would be born to her.

We sing Christmas carols to remind us of Jesus' birth.

And to prepare us for His coming as our Prince of Peace.

Advent means "coming."

Jesus is our Savior and Lord.

The Upright Will Be Blessed

Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. — Psalm 112:2-3

Those people who fear the Lord will see their children grow to be mighty.

The generation of the upright will be blessed by God.

Wealth and riches are in their houses.

Not just monetary wealth but the wealth of family and friends, good health, and meaningful work.

Their righteousness endures forever.

Welcome, December!

Come, Lord Jesus.

Blessed Are We

Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. — Psalm 112:1

We who fear and honor the Lord are blessed.

As we read His Word, we gain new understanding.

We find delight in His promises.

And security in His commands.

Advent means "coming."

This is the time we await the coming of Jesus.

And we prepare our hearts to celebrate His birth.

Welcome, December!