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. . . The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2: 15 – 18; 20
‘What a night it was when the angel of the Lord appeared before the shepherds with the news of our Savior’s birth.
Do you, like me, wonder if they could even begin to fully comprehend what they had seen in the heavens that night? Can you imagine the angel telling them that when they saw the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes that they would be looking at the face of Jesus Christ, our Lord – the Anointed One, the Messiah, the King?
Do you ever wonder if we, too, truly understand what it meant to have the Son of God come to earth as a child, born in a manager – for each of us?
On this day, may we marvel at God’s love for us, the miracle of the birth of His Son, and the beauty of these Scripture passages. What a gift of His grace. What a sacrifice of His Son to us because He loved us so deeply that He wanted to give us the gift of eternal life with Him. May we glorify and praise Him for all these things we have heard and seen this Christmas season – just as the shepherds did.
May the words of this beautiful song, “O Holy Night” fill our hearts with joy, peace, and gratitude.
O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees.
O hear the angel voices. O night divine. O night when Christ was born. O night divine. O night, O night divine.
Truly He taught us to love one another. His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother. And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy, in grateful chorus raise we. Let all within us praise His holy name.
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, we thank you on this day for the gift of your Son and the message of love He brought to our world. May we continue to marvel at the beauty of the Christmas story and let it fill our hearts with peace. We give you all honor, praise, and glory for your saving grace and love. Amen
If you'd like to share your thoughts about this devotional with me, please leave a comment below.
All comments are private and will not be posted to the site.