ASTONISHING ARRIVAL
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 2:10-11 (NLT)
The night sky was a canvas of darkness, illuminated only by the twinkling stars above. In the quiet fields of Bethlehem, shepherds kept watch over their flocks, unaware of the monumental event about to unfold. Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by the dazzling light of an angel. Fear gripped their hearts, yet the angel’s words pierced through the fear: Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. This announcement marked the arrival of the long-awaited Savior, Jesus Christ, born in the humble surroundings of a stable.
This astonishing arrival was not merely a birth; it was the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy and hope. Imagine the joy that swelled in the hearts of the shepherds as they realized that the Savior, the Messiah, had come to them! The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. God chose the lowly shepherds to receive this heavenly message, illustrating that the Good News of Christ is for everyone—rich and poor, powerful and meek.
As you reflect on this miraculous event, consider the words of the beloved Christmas hymn O Holy Night. The hymn beautifully captures the awe of Christ’s coming: Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! Just as the shepherds were called to witness the miracle, we too are invited to kneel in worship and adoration of the newborn King.
In a world filled with distractions and noise, it’s easy to overlook the profound joy of Christ’s birth. This season, take intentional time to pause and reflect on what His arrival means for you personally. How does knowing that the Savior has come bring joy to your life?
APPLICATION: This week, set aside a moment each day to meditate on the miracle of Christ’s birth. Create a quiet space in your home where you can read the Christmas story in Luke 2. Consider writing down what this astonishing arrival means to you and how it impacts your daily life. Share this joy with someone else—perhaps through a card, a conversation, or by inviting them to join you for a Christmas service. As you do, let the truth of His arrival fill your heart with peace and gladness, knowing that the Savior has come to bring hope to a weary world.
PRAYER: God thank You for sending Your Son Jesus into this world. Without His life, death and resurrection, I would be lost. Help me to remain focused this holiday season on the true reason to celebrate. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?