Category Archives: Christmas

Daily Bible Reading “Jesus was Born in Bethlehem” (Matthew 2:1-23)

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Jesus was Born in Bethlehem

Matthew 2 tells about the birth of Jesus. He was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” In John 6:35 Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Bethlehem was a village about six miles south of Jerusalem.

There were wise men who came to Jerusalem saying they saw a star in the east, and asking, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” When Herod heard this, he was upset and so was the whole city of Jerusalem. Herod wasn’t a religious man, neither was he Jewish. He was a Palestinian politician who preferred everything Greek. Herod had never heard of the prophecy from Micah 5:2, which clearly points to the Messiah coming from Bethlehem.

Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem to search for the child and when they found Him they worshiped Him. Then the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went another way. Herod sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem who were from birth to two years old.

Joseph was warned in a dream that he should take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to keep Herod from finding Jesus and killing Him. This looks like they were running away, but it had been prophesied when the LORD said in Hosea 11:1 which Matthew quoted, “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.” They stayed in Egypt until Herod died only a year or two later.

Then Joseph had a dream telling him to take them to Israel. But when he heard Herod’s son, Archelaus was reigning in Judea he was afraid, so he went to Nazareth. This fulfilled another prophesy which said Jesus would be called a Nazarene. If you will notice that all these things look like they are not meant to be, but were previously prophesied.

This reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures, Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” We see that every move which was made had been previously orchestrated by God.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 2:1-23

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

 

Things to think about:

  • How did Joseph feel knowing Jesus was being sought by Herod to be killed?
  • Have you ever noticed in your own life things that seem to be problems end up being for your good?
  • Think about what it must have been like to be the parents of the children who were killed by Herod.
  • What prophesies were fulfilled in this Scripture?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem. Thank You that You protected Him from Herod. Help us to remember what the Scriptures have to say about the birth of Jesus. Thank you for this Scripture which helps us to see that there are no accidents and that all things work together for Your will. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, …

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behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, – Matthew 2:1

This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

 

Christian Music Video: “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” – Casting Crowns

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

Matthew

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00C1JGJMQ
Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

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Daily Bible Reading “Christmas Traditions” (Matthew 2:1-11)

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Christmas Traditions

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 2:1-11. I find it interesting to see what other people do as some of their family Christmas traditions. What are some of your Christmas Traditions? In this post, I am going to share some of my family’s Christmas traditions and a family favorite recipe that we fix every year during the Christmas holidays.

Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Probably at the top of the list as one of our favorite family Christmas traditions over the years has been being involved in our church’s Christmas drama that was called, “This Man Called Jesus,” and was performed for twenty-five years at the church.

My husband, children, grandchildren all played parts in the drama throughout the years. There are many people in our community and throughout the world who attended the drama and some came back every year to see it as part of their family traditions. The drama is no longer done at our church, but has become a community project that my family is still involved in. It is now called “Jesus Is His Name.”

At home, we decorate our tree and home in a festive manner as I am sure a lot of you do as well. It is always a fun family time of putting up the tree and getting the house ready for the Christmas holidays.

This year we started a new Christmas tradition of giving the children and grandchildren an ornament that they could keep and hang on their tree in the future as something to remember us by. I also wrote them a Christmas letter introducing the new tradition and reminding them to always celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

When our children were growing up we always opened presents on Christmas morning, but now that they are grown and have children of their own, we open our presents on Christmas Eve. That way they are able to celebrate Christmas with their children on Christmas morning. We also have a nice Christmas dinner as part of our Christmas celebration. Over the past several years we have gone to our daughter’s house to have breakfast with her and watch her children open their presents. Then, we may drop by and visit other relatives and friends in the area.

We also have a big family party usually after Christmas with all of my extended family. Our house was the meeting place after my parents went to be with the Lord. Now that we have outgrown our house we started meeting at a community center. My brother, sisters, and their children and grandchildren all gather together for a meal and fellowship. Everybody brings finger foods, appetizers, or a covered dish and we all enjoy another day of celebrating together. Each family group represented at the party has their picture taken in front of the Christmas tree. We usually have about thirty or thirty-five people for this day of celebration. Of course that number continues to grow as the family grows.

We have special treats that we cook only during the holiday season. Over the years I have taught my daughters and now my grandchildren how to cook. One of our favorite things to make every year is Peanut Butter Balls. I only fix these during the holidays, so it gives my family something to look forward to. One of my granddaughters asked me if we could make them in the summer, and I told her she would have to wait until Christmas. I will share that recipe with you at the end of this post.

The wise men gave gifts at the birth of Jesus. Maybe this is where we developed the tradition of exchanging gifts.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 2:1-11

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

 

Things to think about:

  • What are your family traditions?
  • Which of your family traditions do you feel honor Jesus’ birth?
  • Are there any of your family traditions that does not honor the birth of Jesus?
  • How can we make our family traditions more about celebrating the birth of Jesus and less commercialized?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this Scripture where the wise men’s visit at the birth of Jesus is recorded. Help us as we go through the holiday season to always remember the true meaning of Christmas. Help us to center our celebrations around the birth of Christ. Help us to honor You in all that we do. Thank You for giving the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus, to be born into this world in order to save us from our sins. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will continue to study God’s Word together.

Featured Book:

Matthew

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon
Get your copy now!

 

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

This is a recipe my family usually makes every year for Christmas. However, I haven’t gotten around to it yet this year. I usually make three or four recipes, so we can have plenty for all our Christmas gatherings.

peanut-butter-balls-3

Peanut Butter Balls

1 lb. confectioners sugar

2 sticks margarine or butter, melted

1 cup crushed graham crackers (I run mine through the salad shooter w/ the grate blade)

1 cup peanut butter-you can use crunchy or creamy whichever you prefer, I prefer crunchy, but the grandchildren prefer creamy.

1 tsp vanilla

Melt butter, stir in peanut butter until melted, add sugar, vanilla, and graham crackers crumbs.  The mixture will be very thick.  Form into balls.  Melt 6 oz. chocolate chips with 1/4 bar paraffin wax over low heat in double boiler.  Use a toothpick or spoon to dip balls into chocolate.  Put on wax paper until set.

 

* Each recipe will make about 100 bite-size Peanut Butter Balls.

I like to mix the chocolate chips, using some semi-sweet and some milk chocolate.

You can do only milk chocolate, or only semi-sweet, or half of each, or I prefer 3 semi-sweet to 1 milk chocolate.

If you would like to see some of our other family favorite recipes please stop by my blog called Recipe for Life at: http://www.deborah-bateman.blogspot.com

 

May God bless you and your family throughout the holiday season and through the next year.

 

Happy holidays,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” Matthew 2:11

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Christmas Jesus Reason for SeasonJesus is the Reason for the Season

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 2:11. It’s that time of year again, the time when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I don’t know about you, but as for me, by this time of the holiday season I have about worn myself out. How did we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all?

We spend weeks or even months getting ready for the big day. We decorate our houses with Christmas trees, nativity scenes, wreaths, garlands, angels, and other Christmas decorations.

We go all over town looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Then, we wrap all the gifts and place them under the tree and wait for the day when we get to open all the gifts we have purchased and prepared for our loved ones.

We spend hours planning, shopping, and cooking our family’s favorite Christmas goodies and meals.

We do all this and wear ourselves out to the point of exhaustion.

During the holiday season, do we really take the time that we should to reflect on the real reason for the Christmas season?

It is Jesus’ birth we are celebrating. How do you suppose He would like us to celebrate His birthday?

Do you think He would enjoy us spending time with Him?

I know on my birthday I enjoy my friends and family spending time with me acknowledging the celebration of my birthday, don’t you?

In Matthew 2:11 we learn that the wise men traveled to see baby Jesus. When they found Jesus, we are told that they bowed down and worshiped Him. They brought gifts to Him of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The celebration wasn’t about the wise men, or Joseph and Mary. It was focused solely on Jesus.

What are some ways that we can worship Jesus during the Christmas holiday season? We might attend church worship services, Christian Christmas programs, listen to Christian Christmas songs, or read the Christmas story from the Bible and reflect on the glory, majesty, and precious gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

How do you plan to worship Jesus during the Christmas holiday season?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 2:11

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

 

Things to think about:

  • In what ways do you worship Jesus during the Christmas holidays?
  • What are some ways that we can teach our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Christmas?
  • How can we focus more on Him and not as much on the other things that we have made Christmas about?
  • What are some ways we can share the love of Jesus with others during the Christmas season?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Him to this world to be born of a virgin and to die on the cross for our sins. Help us during this Christmas season to focus more on celebrating His birth and less on all the other traditions that we have during this holiday season. Forgive us of the ways that we have made this time of year more about us and what we want and less about Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Christmas Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

Matthew

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
By Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon
Get your copy now!

 

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

Daily Bible Reading “The Greatest Gift” (Luke 2:1-14)

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The Greatest Gift

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Luke 2:1-14. We have all spent the last several weeks or even months getting ready for the Christmas holiday season.

We have been busy picking out gifts for our loved ones, decorating our houses, and Christmas trees. Many of us have been baking our favorite holiday treats for our family and friends, and getting ready for our Christmas celebrations.

We have been going to parties and wrapping gifts. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season, let’s not forget the true reason for the season. Christmas is supposed to be a holiday to celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This Scripture in Luke 2 gives us the details of that glorious day. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. It was almost time for Mary to deliver baby Jesus. While they were in Bethlehem the time for her to give birth came. The Scripture tells us she delivered her firstborn Son in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

The shepherds were in the field watching over their sheep at night when the angel of the Lord came to them. The glory of the Lord shined all around them and they were afraid. The angel said to 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.” Then, the angel informed them that they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

All of a sudden, along with the angel was a heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” There was a great celebration on that glorious day.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Luke 2:1-14

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 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:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men

Jesus Crucif15As we celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus on Christmas, remember the greatest gift was not His birth. The greatest gift was the reason for Him coming to earth in the first place. Of course, this gift would not be possible had He not been born.

The gift of salvation that God offers us through the death of His beloved Son on the cross for the remission of our sins is the greatest gift.

The Bible tells us in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

When we give someone a gift, they can make the choice to receive our gift or reject it. In the same way, we have to make the decision whether we want to receive God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ or reject it. If we receive it, we can live eternally with God and Jesus. If we reject this precious gift from God there will be eternal consequences.

 

Things to think about:

  • What do we celebrate on Christmas?
  • How does it make you feel to know that you can be forgiven for all your sins?
  • Have you accepted the gift of salvation? If so, we praise God with you. If not, please consider doing so today.

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we celebrate this Christmas season, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus. We thank You for the greatest gift of all that You offered us when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Help us not to take this precious gift for granted, but to treasure it. Help those who have not yet accepted this gift to consider doing so today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will continue to study God’s Word together.

If you would like to know more about the life of Jesus Christ check out my book: The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ.

 

Featured Book:

Matthew

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon
Get your copy now!

 

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Recipe for Life

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!

Daily Bible Reading “Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14)

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Immanuel

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from a variety of Scriptures surrounding the birth of Jesus.

The writers of the Old Testament prophesied about the birth of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before it took place. How could they have known all of this information about the birth of Jesus Christ?

Isaiah told about a virgin who would conceive and have a son who would be called Immanuel, which means, “God with us.”

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

This prophecy is referred to in the New Testament during Joseph’s dream in Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

In Isaiah 9:6 we are told that Jesus would come as a baby born into this world, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” We are also told of some of the names that He would be called.

In Genesis 22:18 the angel of the LORD told Abraham, “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” Isaiah 11:1-10 tells us that He would be a descendent of Jesse, the father of King David.

Jeremiah 23:5 refers to Him being from the line of David, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.”

Genesis 49:10 indicates that He will come from the tribe of Judah, “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”

Numbers 24:17 says that He will be a descendant of Jacob, “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.”

You can find the genealogy of Jesus listed in the New Testament in Matthew chapter 1, which clearly shows that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, Jesse, and King David and follows the blood line all the way through to Joseph, his earthly father, the husband of Mary.

The prophet Micah informs us that He would be born in Bethlehem. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). This prophecy is referred to in Matthew 2:1-6.

Hosea 11:1 tells us that He was called out of Egypt, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” This prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew 2:13-15, And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

Jesus was born into this world for a very specific reason, to be the Savior of the world. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, He is still with us today, living in our hearts.

 

Things to think about:

  • How could these writers of the Old Testament have known all of this information about the birth of Jesus unless the LORD told them?
  • What ways do you celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas?
  • Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? If so, write about your salvation experience. If not, why not consider doing so today?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read all these Scriptures from the Old and New Testament we learn about the prophesies surrounding Jesus’ birth. Thank You for sending Your only Son into this wicked world to be the sacrifice of our sins. As we celebrate Christmas let us all remember what we are truly celebrating, the birth of Jesus Christ. Help us also to be thankful to You for Your many blessings. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

To learn more about the life of Jesus Christ check out my book: The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman.

 

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will continue to share Scriptures in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

 

Featured Book:

Matthew

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

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Merry Christmas to you and your family!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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