THURSDAY December 26, 2024

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Luke 2:8-9

During the night, shepherds living in the fields faithfully watched over their sheep. All of a sudden, an angel stood before them. The bright glory of the Lord illuminated the dark night. What an unexpected sight! Speechless, in awe and wonder at the heavenly visitation, the shepherds heard the angel speak to them:

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

The Lord chose to make known the birth of His Son to humble shepherds. From the fields to a stable in Bethlehem, these shepherds would find the Savior wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. Once they saw the Babe, they would spread the news to people who remained unaware of what had just happened––that Christ had come, Israel’s Messiah.

Instantly, the night sky was filled with a multitude of heavenly host––a multitude of angels––praising God, saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). There is much to rejoice about this Christmas!

When we understand that Christ came, not just for His people in Israel, but that He came to be the Savior for all people, we rejoice! Salvation is available to everyone. Through Jesus Christ, we can be at peace with God the Father; we are no longer at enmity with Him. In this we can rejoice! God’s love and goodwill have been extended toward us. He has given us His Son. Christmas reminds us of God’s good tidings of great joy––a message that an angel proclaimed. Rejoice!

The announcement of the birth of Christ came as a sunburst of joy to a world where grief and pain are known to all and joy comes rarely and never tarries long.
~A.W. Tozer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!