December 15 – Luke 2: 8-20
Joy. And now here we are. We are with those special shepherds chosen by God to witness Heaven’s Joy at the birth of Jesus. I can’t even imagine the sound of angels singing. No wonder the shepherds trembled. Nothing in this world had prepared them to see the spiritual world filled with incredible joy. Yet they witnessed it and responded as God knew they would. They rushed off to see the baby. They weren’t “too busy” to do so. They were eager to run to that manger. They were not dissuaded by seeing the poverty of Mary and Joseph. They did not question how Messiah could be born in such humble circumstances. They’d seen angels sing and they just knew it all was true.
Did you notice how they also could not keep the news to themselves? They were telling everybody about it. They couldn’t stop talking about it. It was the most momentous experience they’d ever had and they were going to share it whether people listened or not. I want to sit down with some of those shepherds in Heaven and hear from their own mouths the story of that wondrous night. God’s plan to rescue us had kicked into high gear and Jesus had arrived. Hallelujah! Glory to God!
My verse: Luke 2:10 “but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
My response: Great joy indeed, Lord! You “break the chains of guilt and shame and set the prisoners free.” You equip us with joy through Your Spirit residing within us. You give us the sure hope of Heaven, already preparing a place for us. You take off our sinful garments and instead clothe us in righteousness, having taken on Yourself the punishment we totally served. Savior. Rescuer. Redeemer. I celebrate You with JOY this morning!
5 Minute Selah Moment – Stop and ask the Lord to show you how to be more like those shepherds. Where are you “too busy” to stop and marvel? With whom ought you to share your joy about Jesus this year? Don’t let the enemy “false guilt” you into thinking you need to do it all or you have failed. God knows your limits. Listen for His voice and see how He directs. His burden is light.
