THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 25TH DECEMBER 2024, WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 25th December 2024 written by Steven McNeal (North Carolina, USA)
TOPIC: A Son Is Given
Today’s Reading
Matthew 1:18-25
An angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, “Joseph . . . do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21 (NRSVUE)
Today’s Message
My son’s birth was a gift for my wife, Allyssa, and me. I remember the day he was born and the stress I felt as Allyssa had to have a C-section; I was with her the entire time. When the doctor delivered our son and I heard his first cry, I understood how it must have felt for Joseph to witness the birth of Jesus.
While the birth of any child is a gift, the birth of Jesus Christ was God’s greatest gift. When Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph knew he had come to bring salvation to all.
During Christmas we can get so caught up in looking for the perfect gift for others that we miss the perfect gift given to us by God. Salvation through Jesus means that we are eternally loved by God. From this gift of love, we are inspired to love one another. Such a gift is free for all to take, and once accepted, it is life-changing.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the perfect gift of your Son and for the salvation that came through him. In his name we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Jesus is the most perfect gift ever given.
Prayer Focus
First-time parents
The Upper Room Devotional 25th December 2024, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More