The Gifts of AdventSample

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

What would it have been like to be there, to be a shepherd in the field just watching your sheep, and then all of a sudden, an angel shows up? What would you do? I am gonna be honest, I'd probably be running—most likely screaming. I’m glad the angel reminds them not to be afraid! I don’t know about you, but I’m in on having "great joy." I could use that! The angel tells them to have great joy, not because he brought them food or shelter or a new car. Great joy because the Savior and Messiah was born!

Think about this: God’s people waited for the Savior for generations. That waiting turned into a joy that wasn’t fleeting—it was the steady confidence that God keeps his promises. Whoa.

And even further, God decides to bring this good news to a group of shepherds. These shepherds spent more time talking with sheep than with people! They were overlooked, but God honors them by allowing them to hear this good news first. I love how he includes them and us in his story. And then we see what joy encourages them and us to do. They share it! They can’t help it!

I’ve got 2 wonderful daughters, and I remember the anticipation of their births. My wife and I waited...and, to be fair, my wife had the most challenging job. But we got the nursery prepared, the crib and changing table ready. We got diapers (sooo many diapers). Then, the life-changing moment arrived, and our child was born! I will never forget the joy I felt in both of those moments! And I couldn’t wait to tell everyone I knew. I called and texted my family and friends, and obviously had to post something clever on social media. I wanted to tell the world!

To Close

I think the joy we find in Christ is meant to overflow to those around us. It’s not built on our circumstances or emotions; joy comes from the truth that God has come near to us. God is always faithful. God always delivers. Jesus said inJohn 15:11, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” This week, I hope you can be reminded of the joy we have in Christ. Jesus has come, and that changed everything for you and me! Let that move you to share that joy with others. Love those around you and tell them the good news: Christ has come!

Let's Pray

God,

Help us this week to remember the joy we have in you, no matter our circumstances. Let that joy move us to love and share the good news with those around us.

In your name we pray, amen.