2020 Advent Devotions
Monday, December 7 - Joy Grant
Luke 2:8-20 “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 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 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.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
God doesn’t value people based on their achievements.
Shepherds – bottom rung on the social ladder – part of being shepherd meant that there was little time to be part of the Temple life. Cut off culturally. Jewish law stipulated the Temple sheep were to be kept at Bethlehem. Good potential that these shepherds were in charge of future Passover lambs. Jesus would ultimately take the place of the Passover lamb. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
These shepherds did not know that God had sent his son to their world. They were doing a job that no one else wanted to do. I wonder what joy looked like for these shepherds. What were they hoping for? What would give them a sense of gladness and happiness? Would they want freedom from the authority of the Roman Government that they were living under?
These shepherds were about to have the time of their lives. In the fields, keeping watch for thieves and wolves, checking out the stars in the sky, suddenly: An Angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
They did not see that coming. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
So, a great fear was to be overtaken by a Greater Joy. These shepherds were honored to be the witness to the good news. God chose the lowest of the low to send his angel to, to give an announcement that all of heaven was waiting for. God put value on those shepherds. Perhaps God recognized the value that was already there. It is easy to judge people, to determine what kind of value you think they might have. God does not value people based on their appearances, or their popularity. God values people based on the fact that he created and loves us. He is on a mission to save the lost. God values us all. There in lies the good news for us all.
Others might count you out, but nothing matters more in life than what God thinks of you.
The angels left the shepherds and returned to heaven. The brilliant light was gone, but the joy remained. Let the joy remain with us as we enter this wonderful season of Advent. The shepherds searched until they found the baby Jesus. They praised God for all that they had seen and heard. We can do the same. Search for Jesus, repeat the message, praise God. Good news is worth sharing. Enjoy.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, be with us as we enter this season of watching and waiting. Help us to see others as you do – there is value in everyone. In this time of media divisiveness, please help us to appreciate your efforts in valuing everyone. In your Holy name we pray. Amen.
Luke 2:8-20 “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 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 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.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
God doesn’t value people based on their achievements.
Shepherds – bottom rung on the social ladder – part of being shepherd meant that there was little time to be part of the Temple life. Cut off culturally. Jewish law stipulated the Temple sheep were to be kept at Bethlehem. Good potential that these shepherds were in charge of future Passover lambs. Jesus would ultimately take the place of the Passover lamb. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
These shepherds did not know that God had sent his son to their world. They were doing a job that no one else wanted to do. I wonder what joy looked like for these shepherds. What were they hoping for? What would give them a sense of gladness and happiness? Would they want freedom from the authority of the Roman Government that they were living under?
These shepherds were about to have the time of their lives. In the fields, keeping watch for thieves and wolves, checking out the stars in the sky, suddenly: An Angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
They did not see that coming. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
So, a great fear was to be overtaken by a Greater Joy. These shepherds were honored to be the witness to the good news. God chose the lowest of the low to send his angel to, to give an announcement that all of heaven was waiting for. God put value on those shepherds. Perhaps God recognized the value that was already there. It is easy to judge people, to determine what kind of value you think they might have. God does not value people based on their appearances, or their popularity. God values people based on the fact that he created and loves us. He is on a mission to save the lost. God values us all. There in lies the good news for us all.
Others might count you out, but nothing matters more in life than what God thinks of you.
The angels left the shepherds and returned to heaven. The brilliant light was gone, but the joy remained. Let the joy remain with us as we enter this wonderful season of Advent. The shepherds searched until they found the baby Jesus. They praised God for all that they had seen and heard. We can do the same. Search for Jesus, repeat the message, praise God. Good news is worth sharing. Enjoy.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, be with us as we enter this season of watching and waiting. Help us to see others as you do – there is value in everyone. In this time of media divisiveness, please help us to appreciate your efforts in valuing everyone. In your Holy name we pray. Amen.