Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let Your light shine in my heart and through my life today -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God.
"In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord!'" (Luke 2:8-11)
"Good news of great joy for all the people!" -- that's God’s heart and His purpose for this season we now call Christmas. To bring salvation and hope, light from our darkness, and good news of great joy for all! God with us -- "Emmanuel"
So while we can be honest and real about any darkness that surrounds us or even any darkness that remains within us we are dealing with, let us not this season get stuck in discouragement or disappointment or despair. While we can acknowledge any loneliness or anxiety, confusion or fear, Jesus invites us all to lift up our heads and open up our hearts to welcome Him in as our Savior, our Messiah, our Lord.
Like the shepherds in the field, we can respond to the word of the Lord and the hope of heaven to say, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us!" (v. 15) Let this thing that has taken place become a living encounter today and every day with the One who's come take His place in our hearts. Truly this is the good news of great joy God has for us all! In Jesus' name pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you are filled with the great joy that comes from hearing and embracing of the good news of God's heart for you and His longing to fill you with His Presence -- Emmanuel, God with us -- in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!
I want to encourage you to join me by also sharing with us your thoughts, comments, reflections, and prayers you received from today’s reading in the comment box below.
As the year draws to an end, please give and help Nancy and I help them!
My wife Nancy and I in our ministries are pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over this season in our lives and that of our family and ODC. Please partner and support us and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You Thank You!
