Advent Devotion, December 14, 2014  
Focus on Angels
Reading:  Luke 2: 8-14
Written by:  Marie Hoder

God shows up in unexpected places to unexpected people. The shepherds were not well respected.  But they were the first recipients of the Good News that a newborn King had come.  And His birth announcement was accompanied not by a couple of dweebie angels, but  by all the armies of Heaven singing His praises.  The Israelites anticipated a King to overthrow the Romans.  But Jesus shows up as a  baby born to a poor couple.  Yet … This GREAT NEWS will bring JOY to ALL people. 

  

 Jesus came unexpectedly, to ordinary people.  He still does that everyday - To us - Bringing Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. 

 Prayer:   Thank You Jesus, for coming to us. Unexpectedly, surprisingly, humanly, divinely, supremely.  You are our God and we are Your people.  Be with us and touch our hearts, especially this Christmas season.  Bring us Hope, Love, Joy,  and Peace.    Amen.  

FAMILY MOMENT:  Angels- 
The angels appeared to the shepherds to bring news of the newborn King. In fact, the Gospel writers of Matthew and Luke show us the Angels appearing to Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds, and even the parents of John the Baptist. The angels first words were always “Fear not!” We don’t have to be afraid because God has promised to be with us always. What are some things that are scary to us? How does God’s promise bring us peace? Is there someone in your life who is afraid or nervous? How can you be like the angels and tell them the good news of God’s promise?