Luke 2:6-7 "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."
It is difficult to think that anyone, with understanding, could read these two verses without being "touched" in the heart by these words. The very Lord of glory left heaven to come to this earth. Emmanuel, God in flesh, left the throne of heaven where angels constantly bowed before Him and cried out "Holy, Holy, Holy!" He chose to come to this earth, laying aside that glory to walk as a man among those who were such contradictions to Him. He came, not to be born in the finest hospital with all the latest equipment. He came, not to live in a palace with all its finery. He was not even afforded a room in the local inn; rather He was born in a stable and laid in a manger - a feeding trough. He did not have a house and warm bed to lay down at night. Yes, there is definitely something about the account of Jesus' birth that touches me just as Jesus touched the leper that day. My life has been changed because of the Master's touch. How about yours?
One of the most beautiful Psalms of Thanksgiving is the 100th Psalm. Please turn to it and read verses one through five. With all my heart I believe we are a people and a nation that has truly been blessed by God. Of all those who “give thanks to Him and praise His name” we should be at the top! It is not uncommon to compile wish lists at Christmas, and draw up a list of resolutions for the new year. But there is another list we often overlook - a Thanksgiving Day list of all for which we are thankful. What would your list contain? Most likely, a good part would be material possessions. I’m convinced that we would find that we have much more for which to be thankful than just our material possessions. Like you, I’m sure my list would include the major things - life, health, family, friends, and the nation we live in, despite all its flaws. But even more than that, I’m thankful for my salvation, my Church family, and the mercy that God showers upon us each d...