GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY!

12/24/2009

SCRIPTURE

Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV)

God with us

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

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. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

DEVOTION

Today is CHRISTmas Eve! I am so excited. Together we have completed our Advent journey and look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birthday on tomorrow!

When I awaken, my family will gather around our dining room table and we will read today’s scripture reading out loud!

We will lament the fact that there was no place for Jesus to be born in the local hotels. We will marvel at the angel’s message to the shepherds, taking careful notice of the words, “Do not be afraid…” We will celebrate the good news message “Peace on earth and goodwill toward all people!” And we will bow down in worship with the shepherds as they pay homage to baby Jesus in the barn.

Hallelujah!

On this CHRISTmas Eve, let me encourage us to let all of our worry, fear, anxiety, and stress just fall away. Even if we do not purchase every gift, wrap every present, or grant every wish, it will still be JESUS’ BIRTHDAY and a time of great rejoicing!

I don't know about you, but I am so excited; for after my family finishes reading scripture, we will bring out Jesus’ birthday cake. We will light candles, sing “Happy Birthday,” and eat cake for breakfast and then we will go to the CHRISTmas tree where my children will open their presents with true gratitude in their hearts.

Today, I will shout from the roof tops:

Christmas is coming! CHRISTmas is coming! CHRIST’s Mass is Coming! Christ is come! Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ shall come again! Hallelujah!

Dear ones, let us remember that JESUS is the reason for this holy day season. In which ways will you invite CHRIST into your CHRISTmas celebrations tomorrow?

Please pray with me:

Holy God, thank you for Jesus! Thank you that I do not need to be afraid of what tomorrow will bring. Please fill my heart with your love, joy, and peace so that I will be prepared to honor you on your birthday! You are so good! Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to die on the cross to save me from my sin and gift me with eternal life. I believe that Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected just as you promised! I can’t wait to share this good news with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed this prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

I would be honored if you would let me know about your decision today by clicking "YES" in the poll located in the upper-right hand corner of the good news blog in answer to the question, "Did God save you today?"

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!