Good Tidings of Great Joy
A Monday morning devotional
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 NKJV)
Sometimes people are lost, not because they have forgotten the heat of hell below, but because they have forgotten the glory of heaven above.
God sent His angel and a burst of His bright glory to that dark field where the shepherds watched their flocks to give them a taste of heaven above (Luke 2:8-9). “Good news!” Was the angel’s cry, “a reason for every person to rejoice!” (Luke 2:10). And what was this good news? “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Notice, the child is born “to you.” Usually a child is born "to" their parents. But this child was born "to" the world. Heaven and earth met in this babe who would grow and be prophet, priest, King, Messiah and Lord. As Savior He saves us. As Messiah He intercedes to God for us. As Lord He lovingly rules over us. He lived for us. He died for us. He rose for us.
Now the light that broke forth in that dark field is here forever. We can be roused from our dark wanderings and let Christ shine on us (Eph. 5:14). We can walk in His light, bask in His light, reflect His light.
We can leave the "flocks" of sin behind and serve the Savior, Christ the Lord. The glory of heaven took on flesh and dwelt among us so that we could shine now and forever. Don’t forget about the glory of heaven coming down for the souls of men. It is good news indeed!