Luke 2:1-7 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Ever been to Natchez Mississippi? I would guess not many of you have. Did you know that this small community of only 16,000 people has produced 21 players in the NBA and NFL in the last 50 years. That is more than any other city in US based on population. Crazy how so many athletes can come out of such a small and in many ways insignificant town.

Yet, isn’t that similar to Bethlehem? Who would have thought that the one who would save the people from their sins would come from this little town. I know that the prophet had prophesied it and I know that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob always keeps His promises. But, Bethlehem, really? Yes, really, and this son of Bethlehem would bring us peace.

Do you know peace today? Are the relationships in your life marked by peace? Is your heart ruled by peace or chaos and pain? Jesus came to give us peace.

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Instead of services on Sunday morning watch for us on Grace Falls Facebook for a Live Christmas Day devotion from Pastor Buff McNickle. We pray that it encourages you and that you and your family will have a blessed Christmas