Lukáš 1:48-50

The Christmas story is the story of how God intervened in history through the birth of Jesus. The lives of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds were utterly changed by this event. They found hope, love, peace, and joy; join the team from Vertical Worship as we remember together how, through Jesus, we can find these too. 

Our Christmas story starts with the angel’s annunciation to Mary and concludes with the visit of the Magi. In these reflections and applications of the Christmas narrative I will mostly refer to Luke, as his is the fullest of the gospel accounts.

The Christmas story is one surprise after another. But sometimes the details become so familiar that they lose their impact. These short prayer devotionals help you to dwell deeply on the most unexpected and significant event in history: that God himself became one of us. Each prayer is written by David Mathis, executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

In Charles Wesley’s famous Christmas hymn, “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” we sing that Jesus is the joy of every longing heart. This Advent, discover how the divine orchestration of human events and various responses to his coming, exposes the longing of our hearts. From kings and rulers to shepherds and expectant virgins, Jesus’ advent reveals what we treasure. Find him the joy of your heart this Christmas.