Advent: The Good News

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:8-11

The wait was finally over. The Savior was here! Heaven and earth met in the fields outside of Bethlehem. Sleepy shepherds snapped to attention as the night sky burst with the glory of God’s messenger. Salvation had come!

Sometimes life stretches on with no end in sight, the nightwatch feels like it will never be over. And then good news! Love shows up when we least expect it.

God honored the shepherds with news of his salvation. He set them on mission. He sent them to see the baby with their own eyes. After they recovered from the shock, they left the dark fields and ran to the light of love.

Later on in Luke it says, “After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.” After such good news the shepherds could never be the same again.

You may be waiting for good news. It’s here. Love has been born to set you free. How has news of God’s love changed you?

Advent: The Birth of Christ

“And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” Luke 2:6-7

When the first man and woman disobeyed God a wall came between them and their Creator. Sin was insurmountable. Each of us since has faced that same wall of sin separating us from God.

On our own there was nothing we could do to make our way back to God. But he had a plan for rescue. God the Son dressed himself in skin, limited himself to time and space, and submitted himself to the laws of nature to join us on earth. He became a baby.

In Bethlehem Jesus’ young mother birthed him in pain and joy. The twilight was pierced with his wail. What a mysterious night when God became human and drew near to us in the person of Jesus.

Jesus was born into a family. Walked through Israel’s streets. Laughed with fishermen, forgave sinners, died and came alive again to bring us into his kingdom. Emmanuel - God with us, God with skin on. He alone could tear down the wall of sin and bring us back.

The presence of Jesus has the power to bring joy no matter what we’re facing. Will you allow Jesus’ presence with you to be your source of joy this Christmas?