Luke 2:8-20
Picture a dark, cool, clear evening—the sky big and bright. A group of shepherds quietly going about their daily routine, tending their flock of sheep. Each shepherd fulfilling his assigned duties, banding together for the common good of the flock, in order to keep all safe from outside influences. Yes, just their normal work day, when suddenly...boom! Right in the midst of their night, the Glory of God bursts forth! "And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." (vss. 9-12)
And angel of the Lord brought the good news to these dear shepherds, and once it was proclaimed, a heavenly host was multiplied...praising, giving glory to God Almighty! Here is the battle of the best tidings ever, for what will these shepherds do with this good news they had just heard Will they say, "That's unbelievable," or "yeah, that's really something, but..." or will they, like the heavenly host, burst forth in praise and long for the multiplication of souls to be saved, seeking and living for the Lord Jesus Christ? Scripture says their response was—"Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." (vs. 15b) There is a battle for your heart this day to receive the good news of eternal life, the gift of repentance. God sent His Son, He was crucified, He rose again on the third day—He is Alive! Our Jesus is Alive! "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." (Luke 24:5b-6a) The question is for us also—what will we do with the best tidings ever that we hear from our pastor, fellow Christians, the Bible, and His Spirit? May our answer be surrender, repentance, thanksgiving, praise, and prayer for the next soul to know the joy of Jesus Christ living in the heart! "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)
"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." (1 John 5:11) Today, we can have life in Jesus, which is joy, joy, joy! No matter what the night brings, because our eyes have seen beyond the stars, right into the ver heart of God! His name is Jesus!
~ Judy Hollobaugh
