By: Sherry Hawes
Originally published: December 7, 2020
Begin with 2 minutes of Silence
Scripture
Luke 2:10-14 (ESV)
10And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Devotional
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." For all the people! For ALL the people! There is no one that this Good News is kept from. God’s plan to save the souls of men, by sending a baby to earth, is and always has been for ALL. We have been given this gift of love by simply being a human creation. We have been given this gift, this divine gift that came to us when we did nothing to deserve or earn such a gift.
If the good news is for all people, it's for me too! “Do not be afraid!” "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) What a gift we possess in the family of God. A God who came to earth and wants to engage with us and gives everything to be a part of our lives. A God who tells us not to fear because He is for us.
As amazing as that is, what stands out so powerfully to me in this passage is this: even when we expect nothing, God shows up. Even when we are doing the most basic tasks of life, God can and does show up. Expect the unexpected when God is in the equation.
Questions for Reflection
Is there any area of your life that you have trouble giving away to others? In the area of time, energy, resources, emotions where do you hold back? Ask God if He has a new way for you to see “giving” to others.
Prayer
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of your Son and all that that gift entails. Thank you for your desire to connect with us and to know us and for the way you have made for us to know you. Help us to seek you Lord, in your word, through worship, fellowship, prayer, thanksgiving, and through giving. Help us to give of ourselves in such a way that honors you and that reflects our gratitude for how much you have given to us.
End with 2 minutes of silence