An angel appeared…with “good tidings of great joy.” LUKE 2:8-16
Meditation the Day
For many people, Christmas is indeed a joyous occasion. For others, they will reflect on their past Christmases, which were marred by the struggles of hurt, addiction and hardship, and they’ll be grateful for their delivery from these things and the new life they’ve found. Their thoughts will turn to how their lives transformed when they found Christ, and they may believe that God, the Father, allowed them to survive the hardships so they could serve a greater purpose. For these individuals, it is a happy Christmas for them, filled with gratitude and hope for a brighter future. Is this a joyful Christmas for me?
Lesson For The Day
The biblical account of the birth of Jesus, as described in Luke 2:7-16, is a central narrative in Christian tradition. According to this passage:
- Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God, and swaddled Him in strips of cloth. The use of swaddling clothes was a common practice during that time to keep the baby warm and secure.
- Nearby shepherds received a visit from an angel who delivered the message of “good tidings of great joy.” The angel announced the birth of the Savior, signifying the significance and joy of this momentous event.
- The shepherds, upon hearing the angel’s message, were filled with awe and excitement. They quickly went to find the newborn Savior, guided by the heavenly proclamation.
This account is an integral part of the Nativity story and is celebrated during the Christmas season by Christians worldwide. It symbolizes the message of hope, salvation, and divine grace that the birth of Jesus brought to humanity, as well as the idea that this message is accessible to all, including humble shepherds who were among the first to witness the event.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may be truly thankful on this Christmas Day for the message of hope, salvation, and divine grace that the birth of Jesus brought to humanity.
I pray that I may continue to experience “good tidings of great joy” filled with gratitude and hope for a brighter future
