READ Matthew 1
Matthew records Jesus’ miraculous conception and birth.

INSIGHT
The birth of Jesus splits time and space like a lightning bolt in a hot July sky. The stage is set for the most important event in history. It has been planned before the foundation of the world. It is promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. The prophets have heralded it, the people long for it, and the culture is ripe for it. The Messiah is coming to establish His kingdom. More importantly, He is coming to effect a new relationship
between God and people. Jesus is not just another world leader. He is God in the flesh. God, who has previously made Himself known through a nation, and through a law, is now coming to make Himself known through a man, a God-man, Jesus.

PRAYER
Continue your time with the Lord by offering your praise to the God of history through these words:
You are my praise and You are my God,
who has done these great and awesome
things for me which my eyes have seen
(Based on Deuteronomy 10:21).

As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:
God, create a clean heart for me
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.  
Then I will teach the rebellious your ways,
and sinners will return to you (Psalm 51:10, 12-13).

As you confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, submit yourself to His will:
He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

As you make your requests known to God, pray for:

• Laborers for the harvest
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

As your closing prayer, pray this passage to the Lord:
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praise to your name, Most High,  
to declare your faithful love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night (Psalm 92:1-2).