The Road Leading to Easter
(NRSV) 1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
As we enter into another Lenten season, we have yet one more opportunity to reflect on the love God showed us by sending His Son to seek and save the lost. There was only one way that sinful man could be restored to a holy God and that way was Jesus.
Have you ever considered that Jesus’ road to Calvary did not begin with His final entry into Jerusalem, but instead extends all the way back to Bethlehem? From the moment He took His first breath, accompanied by an angel chorus and followed by the praise of shepherds, Jesus had one final earthly destination. From the cradle to the cross, Jesus walked one pathway. There were no detours.
So, during this season of remembrance and repentance, I invite you to join me as I explore the road leading to Easter. May we determine in our hearts today to acknowledge and repent of our sins as we focus from now until March 31 on spiritual disciplines that will draw us closer to the cross:
1. Reading the Bible daily
2. Praying the scriptures
3. Tending to the needs of others
These spiritual disciplines are not works leading to salvation, but rather works springing from salvation. May we each be prepared to learn more, to love more, and to serve more as we approach Easter.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
- Posted in: Blogs
Seeking Holiness 