05/06/2026
Devotional for today
Part one:
The Cross
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
1 PETER 1:3-4 NIV
A CHILD IS BORN
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
LUKE 2:11 KJV
He was the Son of God, but He wore a crown of thorns.
He was the savior of mankind, yet He was put to death on a rough-hewn cross made of wood. He offered His healing touch to an unsaved world, and yet the same hands that had healed the sick and raised the dead were pierced with nails.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born into humble circumstances. He walked this earth, not as a ruler of men, but as the Savior of mankind. His crucifixion, a torturous punishment that was intended to end His life and His reign, instead became the pivotal event in human history.
Each year at Easter, we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior. May we, the recipients of Christ's grace, remember the gravity of His sacrifice.
Christ wore the crown of thorns and endured the pain of the cross for each of us.
Two thousand years ago, God sent His Son to transform the world and to save it. God's Son was born in a nondescript village, to parents of simple means, far from the seats of earthy power.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.... And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
LUKE 2:1-14 KJV
The Christ child changed the world forever, and He can do the same for us. We, like shepherds tending our fields, are busy tending to the demands of daily life. But as we carve out time to worship Him, we must leave our duties behind, at least for a while, so that we may celebrate the One who has saved us.
Let us celebrate Jesus: His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection. Let us praise Him for His peace and His love. May we, like those shepherds of old, leave our fields-—wherever they may be—and pause to worship God's priceless gift: His only begotten Son.
A PRAYER
Dear Lord, keep me mindful of Your priceless gift: my personal Savior, Christ Jesus. Father, You loved me before I was ever born, and You will love me throughout eternity. In return, let me offer my life to You so that I might live according to Your commandments and according to Your plan. Today and every day, I will praise You, Lord, as I give thanks for Your Son Jesus and for Your everlasting love. Amen
