10 And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:

11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

1413 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

— Luke 2:10-14

4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

5 He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

6 This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

— Titus 3:4-7

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

A Christmas Prayer

Dear Lord God, 

On this Christmas Eve, we bless You and we thank You that You have given us Jesus the ultimate gift, and that’s why we are celebrating today. And Lord, how we love to joyfully join the heavenly host’s and the herald angels’ praising and singing : Glory to You our eternal God, our King of kings in the highest, and on earth peace, love, and goodwill toward men!

We thank You Lord that You didn’t remain distant from the problems, sufferings and pains of the people in this world, but You had Yourself become part of it, You entered this world by coding Yourself into humanity in Jesus Christ to be the Savior. We praise You that You are Jesus the Messiah! And Your precious names include Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. We praise You for bringing redemption, and salvation to the world. You came into humanity as the marvelous Immanuel. You are God being with men, with us, full of bountiful mercy, grace, and truth. 

And we pray that You would grant us the strength to live soberly, righteously, godly, and zealous for good works to honor You in the years to come. Please grant us the yearning for the blessed hope of eternal life and daily intimate encountering! And we also ask You to fill us with the joy, peace, and love that Jesus alone can supply. 

Thank You, Lord. We love You, Lord! Glory to You! 

In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen!