Scripture:
Luke 2:8-14
The Shepherds and the Angels
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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths 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,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Carol: Angels We Have Heard On High
Ornament is an angel.
Thoughts:
When the angels announced this news to the Shepherds, they said it was “of great joy”.This last week of Advent is one focusing on the joy of Christ’s coming as we come closer to the day of Christmas. Some of us, like Martha, a friend of Jesus, may find our joy wearing thin as we “are troubled by many things” in preparing to celebrate His coming.
We could read many things into the gentle admonition that Jesus gave to Martha, but the main lesson we may take from it is the idea that we ought to enjoy His presence in our lives, and what He has to give us. And not worry so much about our ideas of what we must do to make things “just so”.
Jesus doesn’t need our house to be in perfect order, or our meal to be sauced and garnished to the maximum degree. He simply wants our heart and mind to be stayed on Him and filled with the joy and peace that comes from that.
Can we do that? Can we slow down and simply be content with Him, in all the holiday preparations?
Sprinkle some of the great joy of Christmas into your day today. Remember how great a Savior has come to your house, and awaits your attention. Rejoice with the angels and remember the simplicity of a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, as babies are ordinarily wrapped…. and laid in a manger. Let your heart feast with peace and joy today in the blessing of that new birth.
