Luke 2:9New International Version (NIV)
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Is there news that will bring joy? I don’t know about you, but the news I read and hear doesn’t bring me joy. Usually, the news is hitting at someone in politics, especially the President, or it goes to what is wrong or a disaster that has happened. News is more of a downer than joy filled.
My mind travels to the night the angels visited those ceremonially unclean shepherds. These men were men who watched over sheep whose whole purpose was to provide food, clothing, or to become someone’s sacrifice. There is not much joy here either.
Yet, God sends, not just one angel but a host of angels. He sends them to those who were considered the poor and the lowly. He did not sent the angels to the rich and mighty, but to men who tended and watched over sheep.
The angels tell these men the Messiah has come. He is born in the City of David, Bethlehem. There were to be the ones to see Jesus first. They jump to their feet and hurry to the village. There they find a man and a wife and a baby lying in a manger. This baby is the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love of the world.
My heart leaps with joy knowing we serve a God who sees us for what we are instead of what the world tries to convince us who we are not. What are you searching for today? Are you searching for joy? May all of us find joy in Jesus the King, the One Who bring true joy to every heart.
Strength and Courage
Michael
