Advent Devotion - Day21

DECEMBER 21 – Luke 2:13-15

By: Anita Canteenwalla

New International Version (NIV)
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to
Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

I can just envision the shepherds on that night, witnessing such an amazing sight, realizing that they were being given a unique and special gift. They saw not only an angel, which was not something anyone would say is an everyday event, but they saw the heavenly hosts of angels appear and then return to heaven before their very eyes!

They were chosen to behold this miraculous event and told that God’s peace is with those He favors! Imagine how this singular occurrence impacted them—in their minds, their hearts, and in their souls. These men were from the basest class in their world. They labored hard and long hours, isolated from other people and putting their animals’ safety before their own human safety. They were the protectors of their flocks, overlooked by most of society because of their roles as laborers. And yet they were chosen to witness this spectacle, singled out and named “favored” by God.

After their initial fear of such a supernatural visit, they knew right away that they had been charged with a mission to spread the message of the wondrous news of the birth of the Messiah entrusted to them. I am struck with how appropriate it is that these everyday shepherds would help welcome our Lord, The Shepherd!

Prayer
Lord, help me to be, like those shepherds in the fields so many years ago, a humble witness to your amazing greatness and fulfilled promises.  Amen.

Family Moment
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! Glory to the newborn King! When the shepherds heard the great
news of the birth of Jesus, they wanted to share it with everyone. Sing some of your favorite Christmas Carols as a family to celebrate the news of Jesus’ birth. You could even share your carols with friends and neighbors.