Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

2 January 2025

Reading From Matthew 2

“When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

“So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

“But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” —Matthew 2:4-6, 14-15, 22-23

The Christmas Story confirms the Bible to be the authentic Word of the Living God. It puts on marvelous display the powerful fulfillment of ancient prophecies given hundreds of years before the Savior’s birth. He would be born in Bethlehem, come out of Egypt, and be called a Nazarene. Who else but God could bring into alignment all of these moving pieces of history to show us that Jesus is truly the Messiah?!

I’ve always been fascinated by the magi. I wonder which ancient, exotic place they journeyed from and imagine them studying the stars and scrolls in far off China or India or some other eastern nation. How very special that little boy was to have wealthy, wise men travel so far to worship Him and give Him such expensive gifts. Praise the matchless Name of Jesus!

“Lord, we affirm that You live and that the Holy Bible is Your Word! Empower us to build our lives upon its principles and guide us by Your Holy Spirit into all truth. In Your Worthy Name I pray these things, Amen.”

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

—Isaiah 9:6-7