Daily Treasure

“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 2:7).

Mary and Joseph’s exclusion from the Inn or Inns was probably due to the over-crowded conditions of the city but still an inconvenience for the couple with a brand new baby. As they settle into their simple situation an angel of the Lord and heavenly hosts were bringing the shepherds great tidings of great joy for the birth of Jesus. When the angels had gone away the shepherds began making their journey to Bethlehem to worship the babe. They returned to their fields glorifying and praising the Lord.

At this time of the year when we celebrate the birth of our Lord we should be praising God for this miracle at Bethlehem.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that entire families will come to know Christ personally.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1).

Mary’s journey to Bethlehem is about to begin. The road to Bethlehem from Nazareth is almost 80 miles. Only a legal necessity would have made them willing to make the journey. Joseph makes his wife, “great with child,” as comfortable as possible and they begin their journey. Each event is prophecy unfolding and God’s master plan is beautifully becoming reality.

God’s master plan for our lives cannot become reality unless we are willing to make the journey.

PRAY TOGETHER: The Candidate Committee Meeting of International Missions occurs in December. Praise God for many new candidates.

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord” (Luke 1:46).

Mary believed and accepted the heralding news from Gabriel and from this believing heart came a meditation of God’s mercy and grace. She selects a mosaic of Old Testament verses which came together as if she were composing a song. This passage is called the Magnificat and is honored and recited in many churches. Mary stays with Elisabeth 3 months and returns to her home.

Our charted path has been given us by God. Let us create beautiful expressions of love and gratitude for God’s mercy and grace for our journey.

PRAY TOGETHER: Continue praying for the Richard Adams family. Richard is scheduled to retire from Home Missions at the end of January.

“And Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; …And entered into the house of Zechariah, and saluted Elisabeth” (Luke 1:39, 40).

Before Mary departs on her road to Bethlehem, she takes another trip to see her cousin Elisabeth. While the angel is talking to Mary about her own miraculous journey He tells her of Elisabeth’s miraculous events. When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary her babe leaped and was filled with the Holy Spirit. She acknowledges Mary’s special calling and the special babe in her womb. Cousins rejoice over their special blessings and the journey each are traveling.

We should always give thanks and rejoice for our journey that God has given us.

LaCrecia McFaddin

PRAY TOGETHER: WNAC Executive Committee desires your prayers as they meet today.

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,…To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary …And the angel said unto her, fear not, Mary: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus” (Luke 1:26, 27, 30, 31).

Mary’s road to Bethlehem was a nine month journey full of events miraculous and not. Even though God chose her to be the mother of His Son, what a blessing bestowed on Mary, she was a woman still. As most expectant mothers she had the discomforts of her first few months. Although God called Mary, it did not mean He took the human components out of her time with child.

Even though we are pastor’s wives, missionary wives or other special servants, it does not mean our paths will be easier, only guided.

LaCrecia McFaddin

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the WNAC seminar scheduled today at the Leadership Conference.

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Luke 7:14)

Mary’s trip to Bethlehem and the events of Christ’s birth began centuries earlier as God’s men revealed the details of His charted plans for the birth of His Son. God chose that a virgin would be the mother of His child. Centuries later He chose Mary. These details in prophecy unfolded the perfect plan in perfect harmony.

May we always stay within the charted paths God has for us and be in harmony with His perfect will.

PRAY TOGETHER: International Missions’ annual board meeting meets today through December 6. Pray.

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). 

Even if you do not celebrate the Holidays because of the commercialism involved, please remember to celebrate Christ and His birth. God blessed mankind with a way of redemption. You have the best reason to celebrate; Jesus Christ.

 Pray Together:  Pray as the annual Leadership Conference convenes in Nashville, December 3-4.