Today's Verse: Matthew 1:20-21

Monday, December 17, 1962

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus first had to become the sins of the people before he could save them (us) from those sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 4:10). His own people rejected him before his forgiveness could be received. Jesus' gift of salvation was incredibly costly to him. It is a reminder of two great truths: God loves us incredibly and salvation is a precious gift. In Jesus we know and experience both truths!

My Prayer...

Almighty God and Savior, thank you for bearing the cost of my sin in Jesus. Thank you precious Lord for taking on human flesh and bearing its difficulties and facing rejection so I could be saved. My salvation makes all other names pale in comparison to Jesus, in whom I offer all thanks and praise. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

28 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 1:20-21 — An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 17, 1962

A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Believer, Somewhere along the way, My light shown into your heart and changed you. More than just the light from the bright star that guided the..."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, May Christian wives and husbands relate to each other as is fitting in the Lord, with subjection and kindness. May children obey their....."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel told them."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Invisible in His own nature [God] became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.