ADVENT DAY 20: Dec. 20
Luke 2:8-12
Jesus
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ESV
From Fear to Joy
By Ashlee Denning
On a quiet night, two thousand years ago, shepherds gazing at the sky witnessed something amazing - the glory of the Lord and the announcement of the Savior’s birth. Let’s explore the true meaning of Christmas through the lens of wonder, revelation and joy. The angel’s message to the shepherds was clear “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people”. This is the heart of Christmas. This is an announcement that God has stepped into human history to bring salvation to the world. The shepherds’ initial reaction to the angel was fear. The Glory of the Lord was overwhelming, and they did not understand what was happening. In a world filled with uncertainties, it is easy to feel unsettled by what we do not understand. But the angel’s first words to the Shepherds were “Do not be afraid” This command is repeated throughout scripture whenever Gods presence is revealed. Fear is replaced with joy when we understand that God’s intentions are for our good. The birth of Jesus is the reason for Joy. This Christmas let us not allow fear to overshadow the Joy that Christ’s birth brings after the angel’s announcement. The shepherds did not stay in the fields; they went to Bethlehem to see the Savior and then shared the good news with others.
As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, we are called to do the same. We are not to keep Jesus’ birth to ourselves. We have the privilege to point others to the Ultimate answer, Jesus Christ! To God be all the glory, now and forever.
Prayer:
Most High God, transform my fear into joy so that I can go, see, and tell others about the wonders of your love given in Jesus. Amen.
