The epistles give little emphasis regarding the birth of Christ. Apart from the historical record in the narratives in Matthew and Luke we have no other information on our Lord's birth. It's not mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles or in any of the epistles with any detail. There's simply no record of the early church celebrating Christ's birth as we do today, the greater focus was on the Resurrection.

But they certainly believed in it! Paul introduces a saying that apparently was an early creedal statement of the primitive church. 

"Here is a trustworthy saying", literally a "faithful word."  This simple, easily memorized statement was perhaps used to teach and reinforce the faith in the earliest believers.  It was at the time and always will be absolutely trustworthy!

"That deserves full acceptance".  Although surely most of the world's population has not accepted this truth; from its earliest declaration, to this day and throughout eternity it truly deserves full acceptance.  I have accepted this truth and hope each of you have as well.  It is the very heart of the Christmas message.

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners". This is an absolutely trustworthy statement that impacts the lives of every human born into this world. It is the real meaning of Christmas and it is always good news because it is trustworthy and true!

Today and everyday let us not forget the reason Jesus came into the world and consider the difference His coming makes in our lives. It's not fake news, it's the genuine good news!

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, how grateful we are that Jesus came into this world to save sinners; to turn despair to hope, darkness to light, and death into life. All that we have need of and presently rely on is abundance from Your generous Hand. You are worthy of our trust and deserving of our fully surrendered life.  From the cradle to the cross Jesus is Lord of Heaven and Lord of earth. We celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior.  Amen.

Christmas greeting to our readers:

We express our greatest appreciation and love to you, our faithful daily encouragement readers. We have met or heard from so many fine readers from all walks of life and from all regions of the world and we are better for it in our spiritual walk and our social life. We always enjoy your feedback and your stimulating comments that affirm or challenge us to think further on a subject matter. We're even glad for those of you who take the time to let us know a link is broken or a date is wrong, etc.

We are praying for those whose Christmas season may be difficult this year due to a heartache you are experiencing, and for those who suffer from a significant loss in your life. May our faithful Lord meet you and bring a deep settled peace in your heart as you reflect upon Him as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.