-December 22, 2023-
Good morning beloved, happy Friday,
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”
John 3:3).
Jesus explained to Nicodemus, “…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:5-6). We were born the first time from Adam through our natural parents; we are born the second time from Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Paul clearly stated, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
Jesus was born so that we may be born again. The new birth is brought about through faith in Jesus Christ; to be born again is to be born from above. It is a transformation of the heart through the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
One of my favorite Christmas hymns is “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” It was written by Charles Wesley and the music was composed by Felix Mendelssohn. The third verse says, “Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, glory to the new-born King.”
Jesus was born that we would be born spiritually; He died to give us life; He rose from the dead to give us hope; and He is coming again to take us home to heaven. Have you been born again? Has your life been transformed? Let us praise God for Jesus Christ our Lord. Merry Christmas to all.
Have a blessed day as we approach the blessed day of Christmas. Stay safe and healthy.
The world says, “Happy Holidays,” but let us always say and reply, “Merry Christmas,”
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 