Love. In the end, it’s all that matters. God’s love for us. Our love for others.

Two thousand years ago, in the fulness of time, His love became flesh, came to earth, came to us. As you read these familiar verses, I pray you’ll experience the story of His love as if it were newly written, full of miracles and wonders, just for you.

Lord Jesus, may every morning be Christmas morning in our hearts!

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Luke 2:1-3

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luke 2:4-5

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. Luke 2:8-9

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:10-12

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:15-16

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:17-18

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:19-20

This is the Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God!

Glorifying and praising God are perfect ways to celebrate this holy season. Gift giving comes a distant third, but it is one of the joys of Christmas.

My gifts for you this year, beloved? Autographed copies of my Christmas collection — A Wreath of Snow, The Pine Tree Parable, and The Women of Christmas — each with a beautiful pendant created by Fifi LeFan of BluebirdSkiesStudio.

Since I featured photos here from our home, I invited you to describe your favorite ornament or Christmas decoration from your home in the comments below. Hundreds of you did just that. On December 21, I chose three winners at random: Chaunda J., Susie D., and Jan P.

Merry Christmas, dear friend. Oh, how He loves you!

Your sister, Liz

P.S. We’ve spent many happy minutes together on Facebook LIVE this year. On Tuesdays@Twelve, we read Embrace Grace and 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart, and on Sundays@Seven, we studied The Women of Christmas. More plans in store for 2021!