A welcome for all

I have a friend who is covered in scars. He made choices in his life—bad choices—and each scar on his body tells a story of pain, loss, and grief. He was reading the description of Jesus, “the Lamb who was slain” from Revelation, and he was fixated on the words that included this detail: “a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6, NIV).

Jesus kept His scars, and that detail meant so much to my friend. He found a connection with Jesus through his scars.

I've always loved the details of the Christmas story in the Bible.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus, the Creator of the universe, was born in a smelly stable? He could have gone big, born in a palace, a temple, or a beautiful home. Yet, He chose a stable. Why? It's a detail that speaks volumes about God's heart.

Could it be that He chose the stable because He wanted the shepherds, the outcasts of society, to feel at home? After all, they were the first invited guests (see Luke 2:8-18, NIV). The smell of a barn may not be the kind of smell you associate with home, but for them, it would have been.

I love that God will go to any length to make people feel welcomed. For the shepherds, it was a scent. For you, it may be a feeling of safety and security, or maybe it’s the promise of hope beyond today’s circumstances. No matter what you need, God will meet you exactly where you are, in a personal way, because you are the reason why He came.

The true, factual, historical account of Christmas is still changing lives today.

The message that Jesus, the King of Heaven, came to where you are is still happening. He came to bring hope into darkness, peace into a chaotic world, and love into relationships that seem lost.

As it says in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, NIV) That’s you and me—he came for us.

The light of Jesus is still calling you in the same direction, right now. All He asks is for you to be humble enough to recognize who He is and your need for Him.

Let’s pray together.

Jesus, thank you for meeting me where I am. I pray that my pride would not get in the way of seeing You. Thank you for making a home for me, for meeting me in my circumstances and offering me peace, healing, and hope. I acknowledge my need for a Savior, and I invite You to be the King of my life. Amen.

Never forget my friend…

You are a miracle!