by Desiree Bustamante

Jesus’ love for you can never be stashed away.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
    She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
    which means ‘God is with us.’”
Matthew 1:23 New Living Translation

Today is Epiphany, the twelfth and final day of Christmas. Around this time, Christmas music stops playing, ornaments are packed away, and the tree is reduced to needles or taken apart and stored for next year.

Yet Christmas is never over. It’s truly just the beginning! The Magi came from far away to see the newborn babe and acknowledged that Jesus was Immanuel, God with us. They believed in the written promise that Jesus would be the ruler and shepherd of Israel. Jesus’ birth has taken place and He is not just another baby, He was officially recognized by the wise men as a king. Though Herod tried to have Jesus killed, He survived. This child came for a purpose, to seek and to save the lost. He gave up His throne to come to us as a baby, and through His death and resurrection, Jesus now reigns on His heavenly throne forever.

This baby is also YOUR king! You might put away the nativity scene, but Jesus is with you throughout your life and desires to reign in your heart forever. Don’t pack up your relationship with Christ and store it away with the decorations. Give Jesus a prominent place in your heart as your King. This newborn baby was born for you! The wise men brought Him gifts fit for a king, but His love is the best gift you will ever receive.

Merry Christmas!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado