Today’s Devotional: “Breaking Down the Walls”

he birth of Christ breaks down the walls of discrimination.

To the shepherds on that first Christmas, the angel said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)

Shepherding is one of the lowest jobs in the Middle East. This work is assigned to the least of the family or to servants. David, the youngest of eight children, was given the task of watching over the family’s flock.

What a heartfelt message this word of reassurance was when it was delivered to the shepherds: the good news of Christ’s birth is not only for the rich and famous, but also for everyone, including humble shepherds.

This message breaks down the walls of discrimination. There are no longer red, yellow, black, or white in God’s kingdom, just children of God.

When Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was torn in two from top to bottom. This symbolizes that the wall between God and his creation, humanity, has been broken down—including the wall of discrimination between races and genders.

God’s grace has been extended to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. The grace of God is abundant to all people, and forgiveness is available through the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God.

The Apostle Paul said, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin broke the close relationship between God and His creation, humanity. The first man and woman were cast out from paradise and God’s presence.

But when Christ was born, died on the cross, and rose on the third day, He brought us back to God, and our relationship with God has been reconnected through His redeeming blood.