In the stories about the ministry of Jesus we repeatedly see people are drawn to Him. They are drawn to Him by His love, compassion and amazing teaching. As we turn to the Christmas story, Jesus has just been born in Bethlehem and the angels have announced His birth.
11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.[1]Luke 2:11-16
Although the baby Jesus had not said a word or had done anything, the shepherds were drawn to Him. As quickly as they could, the shepherds traveled to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. The shepherds were the first people other than Joseph and Mary to gaze into the eyes of the Savior. Even at this point, Jesus was drawing people to Himself.
How did Jesus draw you to Himself? Did a parent, Sunday school teacher, friend, or stranger tell you about Jesus? Maybe Jesus drew you to Himself through His word. Meditate on the blessing of Jesus’ call of salvation. Take time to contemplate the difference Jesus has made in your life. Look forward to eternity with Jesus.
If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, I pray that He uses this devotion to draw you to Himself. Ask Jesus to forgive you and ask Him to be the Lord of your life. What a special Christmas is because Jesus came into this world. Merry Christmas!
Listen to a conversation about the Christmas story: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/god-steps-into-time/the-gift-of-jesus
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 2:11–16). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.