In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
The last few Sunday Devotionals we have been going through the book of Philippians. A book Paul wrote to illustrate to us that no matter what we are going through, or what stage in life we find ourselves in, joy can be found even in the greatest of difficulties.
Today, however, we soak in the scripture of Luke and bask in the glow of the greatest joy mankind will know this side of heaven.
The Great Joy of Jesus
The last book of the Old Testament is Malachi, representing the last prophet God would send to his people. For centuries God was silent, no new voice would spring forth to represent God to His people.
Until, in a dirty stable, the centuries-long silence was broken by the wail of a newborn baby.
The news of our savior’s birth was then delivered by a heavenly host of angels, to humble filthy shepherds. Shephard’s were the lowest of the low in society and yet these were the men God chose to give the greatest joy to; the joy of proclaiming the coming of the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
This speaks volumes of God’s character. He did not give this honor to the religious leaders, kings, or celebrities of the time. He brought hope to the humble, downtrodden, forgotten, and abused.
He in His goodness reminds us that He will bring peace, comfort, and Joy to all who are weary, lost, and broken, Through the greatest gift of Jesus Christ we now can enter the throne room of God and have a relationship, not just worship, the Almighty.
This day I pray that amongst the remains of your wrapping paper, open stockings, and empty holiday plates that you remember the greatest joy can only be found in Christ. The very reason we celebrate this time each year.
Prayer
O Father God, thank you for your mercy and everlasting love. Thank you for making the greatest sacrifice so that we may have fellowship. O Lord I am unworthy of such joy yet you still chose to bless me with your forgiveness. Lord, I pray that you engrave your word upon my heart so that I may remember the reason for my joy no matter what I face in life or where I find myself. I pray that You strengthen my faith that I may be a light to those around me, not just this time of year but all year round.
In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
