Today’s Christmas Eve Verse:
Romans 6:23 ESV

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

On this Christmas Eve, as we reflect on Romans 6:23, we are invited to consider both the gravity of our condition and the glory of God’s gift.

Paul’s words are stark: “The wages of sin is death.” This is a sobering truth. Sin earns us separation from God, a chasm we cannot cross on our own. The manger in Bethlehem, however, tells a different story. It tells of a God who refused to leave us in our hopeless state. Instead, He entered into our brokenness, taking on human flesh to save us.

Tonight, we marvel at the mystery of the incarnation. The baby born in Bethlehem is not merely a teacher, prophet, or moral example. He is the Savior who will one day bear the punishment we deserve. The shadow of the cross falls even over the manger. Yet, through His death and resurrection, Jesus secures for us the “free gift of God”—eternal life.

Think about that phrase: “free gift.” A gift cannot be earned; it can only be received. The beauty of Christmas is that God’s gift is offered to all. In Christ, the debt of sin is paid in full. Eternal life is not a reward for our efforts but the unmerited grace of a loving God.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember why He came. He came to give life to the lifeless, hope to the hopeless, and light to those in darkness. This Christmas Eve, may our hearts overflow with gratitude for the indescribable gift of God’s Son.

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Gracious Father, on this night of joy and wonder, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Him, You have given us life, hope, and salvation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

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A Song for Today