From abaptist.org:
Daily Devotional:
Matthew 1:18-25
Thursday, December 23
Call His Name Jesus
KEY VERSE: "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins," Matthew 1 :21.
Two thousand years ago, there were no earthly plans for celebrating Christ's birth. Quietly and unannounced, Joseph and Mary entered Bethlehem and searched for a place to spend the night. It was a busy time in the Judean village, but the excitement had nothing to do with the upcoming birth. The crowds had gathered to take part in a census. No one knew that Mary was about to deliver the Savior.
As the year 2000 approached, the story had changed. There were serious discussions about how Bethlehem could get ready for the estimated four million tourists who would converge on the city during Christmas 2000. What a contrast to that first Christmas!
But did the millions of tourists understand what they were celebrating? Probably not. What does it mean to call our Savior Jesus? Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, and Joshua means "Savior." Jesus received His name because of what He is—the Savior who came to save people from their sins.
If you spend time celebrating at this time of year, be sure to remember what you are celebrating. And, if Jesus is not your Savior, turn to Him in repentance and faith.
LIVING IT: Remember the true meaning of the holiday.
Mary McCalister
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