“And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

 John and his three younger siblings huddled around the radio listening to school closings. They were in the midst of a good old-fashioned snowstorm, and oh, how they hoped their school would be closed. The familiar voice behind the microphone started naming the schools that were closed. One after another through the alphabet was being announced as closed. The Smith children could hardly stand it as they waited with great anticipation for the announcement of their own school closing. Finally the radio announcer arrived at their school, and being the uncle to the Smith children, he announced, “Oak Dale Central closed, Oak Field Central closed, and yes to some of my favorite kids, Oak Hill Central is closed today.” There seemed to be a tone of celebration in his voice. The Smith children danced in jubilation and little Sally screamed, “This is the best news I could ever have!” Later that morning, mother gathered the family around for devotions. She reminded them of her love and how excited she too was that their school was closed. But she also reminded them that school being closed was not the greatest announcement that they could ever have. “While I was happy with the news, it was not the best news,” Mother reminded the children. “The very best news that we could ever experience came that day when our Savior was born in the city of David.” It was a precious time of helping her children to understand the great sacrifice made by the Lord Jesus.

 For today: Have you thanked the Lord Jesus for coming to this earth to be your Savior?