The Whys Of Christmas: Why God Became Man
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: The Face of God in Your Mirror
Devotional: This morning when you looked in the mirror, you saw something extraordinary - though you might not have realized it. You saw the very reason why the Creator of the universe chose to leave heaven's glory and become human. Every line on your face, every imperfection you notice, every struggle reflected in your eyes - these are the reasons Jesus came. When Mary held that tiny baby in Bethlehem, she wasn't just holding any child. She was cradling Emmanuel - God with us. In that moment, she looked into the face of the living God, wrapped in the most humble of circumstances. That baby, born in a stable and laid in a manger, was the greatest gift ever given to humanity. The Christmas story isn't just a beautiful tale from long ago. It's deeply personal. Jesus didn't come for humanity in general - He came for you specifically. Every breath He took, every step He walked, every word He spoke was with you in mind. The incarnation means that God thought you were worth becoming human for. Today, as you go about your daily routine, remember that the God of the universe knows your name, understands your struggles, and chose to experience human life because of His incredible love for you. You matter so much to Him that He was willing to trade heaven's perfection for earth's brokenness, all so He could reach you where you are.
Bible Verse: '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
Reflection Question: When you look in the mirror today, how does it change your perspective to know that what you see is exactly what God thought was worth becoming human for?
Quote: When you looked in the mirror this morning, you saw the reason why God wanted to become man.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me so much that You left heaven to become human. Help me to see myself through Your eyes today and to remember that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. When I feel insignificant or unworthy, remind me that You thought I was worth the incarnation. Amen.
Devotional: This morning when you looked in the mirror, you saw something extraordinary - though you might not have realized it. You saw the very reason why the Creator of the universe chose to leave heaven's glory and become human. Every line on your face, every imperfection you notice, every struggle reflected in your eyes - these are the reasons Jesus came. When Mary held that tiny baby in Bethlehem, she wasn't just holding any child. She was cradling Emmanuel - God with us. In that moment, she looked into the face of the living God, wrapped in the most humble of circumstances. That baby, born in a stable and laid in a manger, was the greatest gift ever given to humanity. The Christmas story isn't just a beautiful tale from long ago. It's deeply personal. Jesus didn't come for humanity in general - He came for you specifically. Every breath He took, every step He walked, every word He spoke was with you in mind. The incarnation means that God thought you were worth becoming human for. Today, as you go about your daily routine, remember that the God of the universe knows your name, understands your struggles, and chose to experience human life because of His incredible love for you. You matter so much to Him that He was willing to trade heaven's perfection for earth's brokenness, all so He could reach you where you are.
Bible Verse: '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
Reflection Question: When you look in the mirror today, how does it change your perspective to know that what you see is exactly what God thought was worth becoming human for?
Quote: When you looked in the mirror this morning, you saw the reason why God wanted to become man.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me so much that You left heaven to become human. Help me to see myself through Your eyes today and to remember that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. When I feel insignificant or unworthy, remind me that You thought I was worth the incarnation. Amen.
Day 2: The Impossible Made Possible
Devotional: Have you ever wondered if the Christmas story is too good to be true? The virgin birth, the prophecies, the perfect timing - it all seems almost impossible. Yet that's exactly the point. God specializes in the impossible. Over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament pointed to the coming Messiah, written across centuries by different authors. The mathematical probability of one person fulfilling all these prophecies is staggering - 1 in 83 billion. These aren't coincidences; they're divine fingerprints proving God's sovereign control over history. From Isaiah's prophecy about a virgin birth to Micah's prediction of Bethlehem as the birthplace, every detail was orchestrated by a God who keeps His promises. When the angel appeared to Mary, announcing she would conceive by the Holy Spirit, it wasn't just a miracle - it was the fulfillment of centuries of divine planning. This same God who orchestrated the impossible birth of Jesus is the same God working in your life today. The challenges you face, the dreams that seem unreachable, the situations that appear hopeless - none of these are too difficult for the God who made a virgin conceive and fulfilled hundreds of prophecies through one man. When you walk with God and trust in His Word, you're never gambling with your future. You're placing your faith in the One who has the whole world in His hands and who has already proven His faithfulness through the miracle of Christmas.
Bible Verse: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.' - John 1:1-3
Reflection Question: What 'impossible' situation in your life needs you to trust in the same God who fulfilled 300+ prophecies through Jesus?
Quote: The probability of a man, one man, fulfilling all 300 prophecies in the Old Testament. And about him being who that prophecy said he would be. And here's what they come up with. It would be 1 and 83 billion.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, just as You fulfilled every prophecy about Jesus' birth, I trust You to work in the impossible situations in my life. Help me to have faith like Mary, saying 'yes' to Your plans even when I don't understand how You'll accomplish them. Strengthen my trust in Your perfect timing and sovereign control. Amen.
Devotional: Have you ever wondered if the Christmas story is too good to be true? The virgin birth, the prophecies, the perfect timing - it all seems almost impossible. Yet that's exactly the point. God specializes in the impossible. Over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament pointed to the coming Messiah, written across centuries by different authors. The mathematical probability of one person fulfilling all these prophecies is staggering - 1 in 83 billion. These aren't coincidences; they're divine fingerprints proving God's sovereign control over history. From Isaiah's prophecy about a virgin birth to Micah's prediction of Bethlehem as the birthplace, every detail was orchestrated by a God who keeps His promises. When the angel appeared to Mary, announcing she would conceive by the Holy Spirit, it wasn't just a miracle - it was the fulfillment of centuries of divine planning. This same God who orchestrated the impossible birth of Jesus is the same God working in your life today. The challenges you face, the dreams that seem unreachable, the situations that appear hopeless - none of these are too difficult for the God who made a virgin conceive and fulfilled hundreds of prophecies through one man. When you walk with God and trust in His Word, you're never gambling with your future. You're placing your faith in the One who has the whole world in His hands and who has already proven His faithfulness through the miracle of Christmas.
Bible Verse: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.' - John 1:1-3
Reflection Question: What 'impossible' situation in your life needs you to trust in the same God who fulfilled 300+ prophecies through Jesus?
Quote: The probability of a man, one man, fulfilling all 300 prophecies in the Old Testament. And about him being who that prophecy said he would be. And here's what they come up with. It would be 1 and 83 billion.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, just as You fulfilled every prophecy about Jesus' birth, I trust You to work in the impossible situations in my life. Help me to have faith like Mary, saying 'yes' to Your plans even when I don't understand how You'll accomplish them. Strengthen my trust in Your perfect timing and sovereign control. Amen.
Day 3: The Only Way Home
Devotional: In our world of many religions and philosophies, it's popular to believe that all paths lead to the same destination. But Christmas reveals a different truth - there is only one way to God, and His name is Jesus. The virgin birth isn't just a nice story; it's essential to who Jesus is. Without it, He would be just another religious teacher, unable to save anyone. But because He was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, He is both fully God and fully man - the only one qualified to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. Many people today want to pick and choose what they believe about Jesus, accepting His teachings while rejecting His divine nature. But you can't separate Jesus the teacher from Jesus the Savior. If He wasn't born of a virgin, if He isn't truly God, then He has no power to save you from your sins. The hard truth is that being good, joining a church, or being baptized won't get you to heaven. Being religious, being from a certain region, or belonging to a particular denomination won't save you either. There's only one name under heaven by which we can be saved - Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. This isn't narrow-mindedness; it's the narrow gate that leads to life. Jesus didn't come to be one option among many - He came to be the only option that works. Today, don't settle for a watered-down version of Jesus. Embrace Him as He truly is: your only hope for salvation.
Bible Verse: 'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.' - 1 Timothy 1:15
Reflection Question: Are you trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation, or are you still trying to add your own good works to what He has already accomplished?
Quote: There's only one that can save you, and that is the son of the living God. Born of a virgin, lived a virtuous life, died a vicarious death, but had a victorious resurrection.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that You are the only way to the Father. Forgive me for any time I've tried to earn my salvation through my own efforts. I trust in You alone - Your virgin birth, Your perfect life, Your sacrificial death, and Your victorious resurrection. Thank You for being my only hope and my sure foundation. Amen.
Devotional: In our world of many religions and philosophies, it's popular to believe that all paths lead to the same destination. But Christmas reveals a different truth - there is only one way to God, and His name is Jesus. The virgin birth isn't just a nice story; it's essential to who Jesus is. Without it, He would be just another religious teacher, unable to save anyone. But because He was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, He is both fully God and fully man - the only one qualified to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. Many people today want to pick and choose what they believe about Jesus, accepting His teachings while rejecting His divine nature. But you can't separate Jesus the teacher from Jesus the Savior. If He wasn't born of a virgin, if He isn't truly God, then He has no power to save you from your sins. The hard truth is that being good, joining a church, or being baptized won't get you to heaven. Being religious, being from a certain region, or belonging to a particular denomination won't save you either. There's only one name under heaven by which we can be saved - Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. This isn't narrow-mindedness; it's the narrow gate that leads to life. Jesus didn't come to be one option among many - He came to be the only option that works. Today, don't settle for a watered-down version of Jesus. Embrace Him as He truly is: your only hope for salvation.
Bible Verse: 'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.' - 1 Timothy 1:15
Reflection Question: Are you trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation, or are you still trying to add your own good works to what He has already accomplished?
Quote: There's only one that can save you, and that is the son of the living God. Born of a virgin, lived a virtuous life, died a vicarious death, but had a victorious resurrection.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that You are the only way to the Father. Forgive me for any time I've tried to earn my salvation through my own efforts. I trust in You alone - Your virgin birth, Your perfect life, Your sacrificial death, and Your victorious resurrection. Thank You for being my only hope and my sure foundation. Amen.
Day 4: Unwrapped and Transformed
Devotional: Christmas morning brings the joy of unwrapping gifts, but the greatest gift ever given requires a different kind of unwrapping. When you truly receive Jesus as your Savior, something beautiful happens - you unwrap the gift, and the gift unwraps you. Many people struggle with feelings of unworthiness, thinking they're too broken, too sinful, or too far gone for God to love them. They focus so much on their unworthiness that they never step into the fullness of what God has for them. But here's the beautiful truth: when you accept Jesus, your unworthiness is transformed into worthiness through Him. The moment you realize it was your sin that put Jesus on the cross, and you cry out for His forgiveness, everything changes. His blood washes you clean, and His righteousness becomes yours. You're not just forgiven - you're made worthy because of what He has done. This transformation isn't just about your eternal destination; it's about how you live today. You're worthy to serve in God's kingdom. You're worthy to make a difference. You're worthy to shine His light in a dark world. Don't let the enemy convince you otherwise. The gift of salvation doesn't just change your future - it changes your present. When Christ lives in you, you carry the hope of glory wherever you go. You're not just saved; you're equipped, empowered, and called to action. The world is getting darker, which means it's time for you to shine brighter.
Bible Verse: 'To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory' - Colossians 1:27
Reflection Question: How is the knowledge that 'Christ in you is the hope of glory' changing the way you see yourself and your purpose in God's kingdom?
Quote: I unwrapped the gift, and the gift unwrapped me. And thank God I got in the gift and the gift got in me.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the gift of salvation that not only forgives me but transforms me. Help me to stop focusing on my unworthiness and instead embrace the worthiness You've given me through Jesus. Show me how to serve You boldly, knowing that Christ in me is the hope of glory. Use me to shine Your light in this dark world. Amen.
Devotional: Christmas morning brings the joy of unwrapping gifts, but the greatest gift ever given requires a different kind of unwrapping. When you truly receive Jesus as your Savior, something beautiful happens - you unwrap the gift, and the gift unwraps you. Many people struggle with feelings of unworthiness, thinking they're too broken, too sinful, or too far gone for God to love them. They focus so much on their unworthiness that they never step into the fullness of what God has for them. But here's the beautiful truth: when you accept Jesus, your unworthiness is transformed into worthiness through Him. The moment you realize it was your sin that put Jesus on the cross, and you cry out for His forgiveness, everything changes. His blood washes you clean, and His righteousness becomes yours. You're not just forgiven - you're made worthy because of what He has done. This transformation isn't just about your eternal destination; it's about how you live today. You're worthy to serve in God's kingdom. You're worthy to make a difference. You're worthy to shine His light in a dark world. Don't let the enemy convince you otherwise. The gift of salvation doesn't just change your future - it changes your present. When Christ lives in you, you carry the hope of glory wherever you go. You're not just saved; you're equipped, empowered, and called to action. The world is getting darker, which means it's time for you to shine brighter.
Bible Verse: 'To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory' - Colossians 1:27
Reflection Question: How is the knowledge that 'Christ in you is the hope of glory' changing the way you see yourself and your purpose in God's kingdom?
Quote: I unwrapped the gift, and the gift unwrapped me. And thank God I got in the gift and the gift got in me.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the gift of salvation that not only forgives me but transforms me. Help me to stop focusing on my unworthiness and instead embrace the worthiness You've given me through Jesus. Show me how to serve You boldly, knowing that Christ in me is the hope of glory. Use me to shine Your light in this dark world. Amen.
Day 5: Royalty Lives Within You
Devotional: The Christmas story is ultimately about royalty - not the kind that lives in distant palaces, but the kind that walks down your street, enters your home, and knocks on the door of your heart. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the King of kings chose to make His entrance in the humblest of circumstances. Jesus came to experience everything you've experienced, apart from sin. Every pain you've felt, every struggle you've faced, every moment of loneliness or fear - He understands it all. He didn't remain distant in heaven; He came down to walk in your shoes, to feel what you feel, to understand your human experience completely. This means that when you pray, you're not talking to someone who can't relate to your struggles. You're speaking to someone who has been there, who knows exactly what you're going through. He embraces you with His love because He truly understands. But here's the most incredible part: if you've accepted Jesus as your Savior, this same royalty now lives inside of you. You're not just loved by the King - you carry the King within you. This should change everything about how you see yourself and how you live your life. You are royalty. Not because of anything you've done, but because of who lives within you. Today, walk like the royal person you are. Speak like royalty. Love like royalty. Serve like royalty. The King of the universe has made His home in your heart, and that changes everything about who you are and what you're capable of.
Bible Verse: '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.' - John 3:16
Reflection Question: How should the reality that royalty lives within you change the way you approach your relationships, your work, and your daily decisions?
Quote: The message of Christmas is that royalty has walked down our streets. Royalty has come in our homes. Royalty has knocked upon the door of our hearts. And to us that are saved, royalty lives inside of us.
Prayer: King Jesus, thank You for choosing to live within me. Help me to live today with the confidence and dignity of someone who carries royalty in their heart. Let Your love, Your character, and Your power flow through me to touch everyone I encounter. May I never forget that I am Your beloved child, chosen and set apart for Your purposes. Amen.
Devotional: The Christmas story is ultimately about royalty - not the kind that lives in distant palaces, but the kind that walks down your street, enters your home, and knocks on the door of your heart. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the King of kings chose to make His entrance in the humblest of circumstances. Jesus came to experience everything you've experienced, apart from sin. Every pain you've felt, every struggle you've faced, every moment of loneliness or fear - He understands it all. He didn't remain distant in heaven; He came down to walk in your shoes, to feel what you feel, to understand your human experience completely. This means that when you pray, you're not talking to someone who can't relate to your struggles. You're speaking to someone who has been there, who knows exactly what you're going through. He embraces you with His love because He truly understands. But here's the most incredible part: if you've accepted Jesus as your Savior, this same royalty now lives inside of you. You're not just loved by the King - you carry the King within you. This should change everything about how you see yourself and how you live your life. You are royalty. Not because of anything you've done, but because of who lives within you. Today, walk like the royal person you are. Speak like royalty. Love like royalty. Serve like royalty. The King of the universe has made His home in your heart, and that changes everything about who you are and what you're capable of.
Bible Verse: '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.' - John 3:16
Reflection Question: How should the reality that royalty lives within you change the way you approach your relationships, your work, and your daily decisions?
Quote: The message of Christmas is that royalty has walked down our streets. Royalty has come in our homes. Royalty has knocked upon the door of our hearts. And to us that are saved, royalty lives inside of us.
Prayer: King Jesus, thank You for choosing to live within me. Help me to live today with the confidence and dignity of someone who carries royalty in their heart. Let Your love, Your character, and Your power flow through me to touch everyone I encounter. May I never forget that I am Your beloved child, chosen and set apart for Your purposes. Amen.
Posted in Pastor Chris