Christmas continues past December 25th
Day 15
Scripture
Luke 2:8-12
Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.”
Devotional
The Gospel of Luke is one of my favorites. Not only does it bring us the story of Jesus’s birth, but it is the beginning of our hope and the promise of an everlasting life. It is a reminder that no matter who you are, God has promised you a savior, and we no longer have to worry about being lost and abandoned.
In Luke 2: 8-10, we see a messenger from Heaven deliver this wonderful news to shepherds, impoverished men who had a lowly profession. These men were almost invisible in society, and they worked under the cover of darkness watching over their flocks. No one expected them to be delivered news of this worth; however, God doesn’t just choose an elite group of individuals. He wanted the shepherds to know that the important message of a newborn Savior was “joyous news for all people,” and they were just as important to him as everyone else.
God watches over all of us like the shepherds watched over their flocks. We are also like the shepherds because we are just common, everyday people. We might not feel important, and we might be scared at times just as the shepherds were when the angel appeared, but in the eyes of God, we are all worthy of the hope, love, and everlasting life available through our faith. The promise of hope is for all of us, and God has a message for everyone. He will not forget about you or overlook you. His messages and promises are personal and yet universal at the same time.
As we reflect upon this scripture, may we be reminded of the importance of the hope and promises the Christmas season brings. God brought us hope which helps us trust and understand that one day we will have an everlasting life. We must be open to receiving his messages and bask in the glory of knowing that we are important to Him.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to pause and listen for your messages this Christmas season. I become wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday that I forget to put your words and guidance before my worldly wants and traditions. Help me to understand that you give me hope and a chance at an everlasting life because I matter. Guide me in helping others see that without faith and the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, we live an unfulfilling life devoid of purpose and importance. Also, the love and hope of the Christmas season shouldn’t go away after December 25th. Help me to make the feelings and true meaning of Christmas last all year.
Challenge
Take a moment today to pause and just listen. Forget about your busy schedule and the endless tasks on your to-do list. Just listen and focus on what God may be saying to you. There is a message every day, but we fail to pay attention to it because we are overwhelmed with our own needs and wants. If we learn to pause, we can find joy and hope through our faith instead of the superficial, materialistic joys common during this season.
By Katie Harris
