Good news of great joy
Opening Prayer
Thank you, Father, for the many ways you touch my heart and life with the good news of the Messiah’s birth. Thank you for his life lived for me.
Read Luke 2:8-12
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Meditation
An angel must be awesome in appearance; both Mary and the shepherds were afraid when one came and spoke to them. But what wonderful news those angels brought—first, that that the Messiah was coming, and now, that he actually was here! God’s people had been waiting for him; he was the fulfillment of a promise God had made long ago. He would be the cause of great joy because he would change everything!