JOY - Day 2
Weekly Prayer:
Lord, we rejoice in the gift of your Son and the joy He brings. May this joy be our strength, our source of happiness, and our reason for celebration this Christmas. Help us to share this joy with the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday December 24th: Luke 2:8-15
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Reflection: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” All of the hope of creation wrapped in cloths lying in an animal feeding area… The most vulnerable time of life, a newborn, in the most unsanitary of all spaces; an animal stable. This is how God chose to enter into His world! The good news that brings hope to all the world doesn’t come with parades and armies, but in the arms of a teenage mother. What does this teach us about our God, about us, how we live, love, serve, share? Take a few minuets to reflect on the reality of what we celebrate at Christmas. It isn’t about a fat guy in a red suit, it isn’t about the gifts, the lights, the trees…. It’s about God entering into humanity in the most humble way, to show Himself to us, and ultimately give Himself for us. How should that encourage your heart and change how you live? Ask Him to help you see more clearly what it means to celebrate Him and follow Him
- written by Dustin Kleinschmidt, Minister of Worship