Daily Readings (Page 288)

Remember our Creator and Maker, who ordains all things and from whom comes every good and perfect gift.

Unbridled wrath, armed with an unlawful power, often carries men to absurd cruelties. May we learn that whatever crafty, cruel purposes are in men’s hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand.

As Egypt once provided relief from famine for Jacob and his sons, she now offered protection to Jesus and his parents. May we learn to live by faith, trusting in God’s protection and sovereignty.

Gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, myrrh for one who was to die. Let us reflect on how Jesus opened the way to God and made it possible for us to enter the very presence of God.

Jesus was ‘the Man born to be King’ yet He was to reign not by force but by love. Let us also learn to overcome evil with genuine love.

Herod reacted with hostility as he was afraid Jesus’ coming would complicate his life. How about us? How do we respond to the love of Christ?

Peace can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we know Him, we can experience and know peace.

Life is quite different when Jesus teaches us how to look at life through His eyes. May we not be led astray by our own prejudices but to allow Jesus to open our eyes to see the truth.

Jesus does more than testify to God’s presence; he himself is God ― now personally to be with his people forever. Knowing that “God is with us”, how do we encourage others to have hope as God’s redeemed people?

Meditate again on Matthew 1:20-21. In Jesus alone, we see true humanity, goodness and obedience to the will of God. In what ways can we follow Christ’s example by walking in obedience?