The Good News that Brings Joy, Peace, and Goodwill to All: Luke 2: 8-20
In the book of Luke, shepherds were out in the field watching their flock of sheep at night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared unto them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The shepherds were afraid until the angel spoke and told them not to be afraid and announced the good news that a savior, Christ the Lord, had been born in the city of David (Bethlehem). The angel proclaimed that the birth of Christ, the anointed Messiah, would bring great joy to all people. The angel told the shepherds that they would find the Christ wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
There was great fanfare and a great host of angels appeared and started praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Once the proclamation and celebration had been made and the angels had gone back into heaven, the shepherds said, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that the Lord has made known unto us.” They quickly made their way to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus lying in the manger. He had been wrapped in swaddling cloths. They told everyone around them about the angels and the announcement of the birth of Christ, the Savior.
The shepherds returned back to their fields praising God for what they had heard and seen. So, why did God make his announcement to lowly shepherds and not to the very important people of the town? Jewish law required a sacrificial lamb to be slaughtered each year for the forgiveness of sins of the people. A perfect lamb, with no spot or defect, had to be chosen for the sacrifice. The shepherds were the keepers of the lambs that would be used for sacrifice and also used for the Passover celebration. Jesus is referred to as our Passover lamb and God’s sacrifice that would end all sacrifices for the payment of man’s sin once and for all. (I Cor. 5:7-8; John 1:29)
Jesus is called the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the lives of His sheep. We, His people, are referred to as sheep. Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself and came into the world as human flesh to show God’s great love for humanity. Although Jesus was God, He put aside His divinity and experienced life 100% as a man. He was born a sinless human because His Father was the Holy Spirit. He chose to live a sinless life and was obedient even unto death on the cross. Even when He went into full-time ministry at 30 years old, He healed the sick, raised the dead, performed miracles, cast out demons, as a man.
The Good News is that Jesus came to bring man back into fellowship with God the Father. Sin from Adam in the garden had separated man from God. But Jesus, the second Adam, paid the price and anyone who receives His free gift of salvation can have eternal life and live with the joy that God loves you so much and has a great plan for your life. So, as you celebrate the season, make sure you have received Christ as your personal savior. (John 3:16; Jer. 29: 11-12)
Something Exciting is coming tomorrow!
I’m so excited to be launching something new tomorrow! What is it?
Tomorrow I will be launching a new book “The Book of Proverbs”, (NKJ translation) created in a unique way with design and images to make the experience of reading the bible enjoyable and peaceful.
We all struggle to read the bible in some shape or form so I wanted to create something that gives you a way to enjoy the bible while you read it.
This will be the first in a series of books that we will be launching in 2022 and we wanted to start with Proverbs because Wisdom is so important in our walk with God and as we grow as Christians.
Will will be doing a big sale for the week of Christmas starting tomorrow exclusively on Amazon so if you would like to be the first to know when our book goes live send me a text at (480)-571-7772 saying “Proverbs Book”
I will personally let you know first and I’m so excited to share with you this new project!
(That’s my amazing Mom!)
Personal Development Tip of the week:
What’s one thing in 2022 you want to improve above all else in your life? This could be something in your faith, your career, studies, etc.
As 2022 approaches, let's start thinking about that now and put some intentions on how we can start doing it in our lives before the new year.
The best time to start something new is today!
If you thought of something, reply below and let me know what that 1 thing is for yourself!
Prayer for the week:
Thank you, Lord, for another new week. Thank God it’s Monday and I pray for your protection, guidance, and favor over our lives as we step into our week. Bless us to be faithful in the little things this week lord and not overlook what you can do in our lives now and not just in the approaching new year. You can transform and change our lives for the better each day and I pray that we remember that today lord. Bless us today to have a great day in Jesus name Amen!
-Dayne
PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.
The Good News that Bring Joy, Peace, and Goodwill to All!