“In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

~ Luke 2.1-7, NRSV

Merry Christmas!  Christ is born.  I offer this morning prayer in admiration and reverence of the lowly Savior, Jesus.

God, You exceed our expectations. There is no match for You and yet, You are the One that we have been waiting for. We pray that You would come into this day in a new way, that You would prepare the way in our hearts to receive the bounty of Your love, its grace and truth.  We ask that You would unwrap Yourself, reveal Yourself to us.  Remind us afresh that You are Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.