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December 24 — Luke 2:1–7

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. — Luke 2:1–7 On this night before Christmas, Advent draws us into the humble scene where God chose to enter the world. The birth of Jesus is set against the backdrop of an empire flexing its power—a decree from Caesar that sends people scattering to be counted. Yet within this swirl of political authority ...
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December 23 — Matthew 1:22–25

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:   “Behold, the virgin will be with child     and will give birth to a son,   and they will call Him Immanuel”     (which means, “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and embraced Mary as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus. — Matthew 1:22-25 Matthew reminds us that the birth of Jesus is not an isolated event—it is the fulfillment of a long-promised hope. The prophecy from Isaiah becomes flesh in Mary’s womb, and its meaning becomes the heartbeat of Advent: Immanuel—God with us. This truth is the center of the Christmas story. God does not remain distant, silent, or unreachable. He enters human life, steps into our frailty, and chooses to dwell among us. The God who created galaxies also takes on the vulnerability of a child. Advent teaches us that God’s love is not merely...
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December 22 — Matthew 1:18–21

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:18-21 Joseph’s story is filled with quiet courage. Before God revealed the truth to him, Joseph faced a heartbreaking situation—Mary, his betrothed, was expecting a child he knew was not his. As a righteous man, he sought a path that honored both the law and Mary’s dignity. His decision to act with compassion, even before he unde...
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December 21 — Micah 5:2

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,   who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me   One to be ruler over Israel— One whose origins are of old,   from the days of eternity. — Micah 5:2 Micah’s prophecy points us to a deeply Advent-shaped truth: God’s greatest works often begin in the smallest places. Bethlehem was insignificant, overlooked, and easily forgotten among Judah’s towns. Yet God chose it as the birthplace of His Messiah. The Almighty deliberately wrapped majesty in humility, glory in obscurity, and eternity in the simplicity of a rural village. Advent invites us to trust that God continues to work in quiet, hidden ways—in the small choices we make, the quiet prayers we whisper, and the ordinary spaces of our lives where His grace is quietly unfolding. The ruler promised in Micah is not a new creation but One “whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” This is no ordinary king. The Messiah who would come forth from Bethlehem is et...
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December 20 — John 1:10–13

He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. — John 1:10–13 John’s Gospel presents a profound mystery at the heart of Advent: the Creator entered His creation, yet many did not recognize Him. The One who shaped the world with His hands walked unnoticed through the streets He formed. Even His own people—those who longed for the Messiah—struggled to receive the One who came to save them. Advent invites us to examine our own hearts with humility. Have we recognized Christ’s presence in the ordinary? Have we received Him not only with our words, but with our lives? Or have distractions, expectations, and worries kept us from seeing Him clearly? Yet John’s words also shine with incredible hope: “To al...
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December 19 — John 1:6–9

There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. — John 1:6–9 In the opening verses of John’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptist—a man sent by God not to draw attention to himself but to point others to the Light. Advent is a season shaped by this same calling. Even as we wait for Christ’s coming, we are reminded that our role is not to be the source of light but to bear witness to it. John lived with clarity about who he was and who he was not. He knew his purpose: to prepare others to see Jesus clearly. His humility and focus show us that the greatest calling of a believer is not self-promotion but pointing others to the hope found in Christ. John’s Gospel emphasizes that “the true Light… was coming into the world.” The Light does not originate ...
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December 18 — Luke 1:46–56

Then Mary said:   “My soul magnifies the Lord,     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!   For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant.     From now on all generations will call me blessed.   For the Mighty One has done great things for me.     Holy is His name.   His mercy extends to those who fear Him,     from generation to generation.   He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;     He has scattered those who are proud     in the thoughts of their hearts.   He has brought down rulers from their thrones,     but has exalted the humble.   He has filled the hungry with good things,     but has sent the rich away empty.   He has helped His servant Israel,     remembering to be merciful,   as He promised to our fathers,     to Abraham and his descendants forever.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then...
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