Have you ever been excited on Christmas? Maybe you've seen a child so excited about Christmas that it shows in his or her whole body. But how about an angel? Just seeing an angel can be a frightening experience. Yet I think I would risk the scare to see angels excited about Christmas. That's what happened to some shepherds.
What Does God Say?
"But the angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.'
"Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God and saying,
"'Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased'" (Luke 2:10-14, NLT).
- How can we become a part of "those with whom God is pleased"? (See John 3:16.)
- What can you do to experience more joy at Christmastime?
- What did the angels mean by "peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased"?
The key to genuine and lasting joy is the same as the focus of Christmas: Jesus--the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
"So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God" (Romans 5:11, NLT).
My Thoughts
This Christmas look back over your life and count all the presents that God, in His grace and love, has given you.
Sing some of the Christmas carols that speak to you of the joy that we have because Jesus came, died, rose again and is now in the presence of God.
In fact, listen carefully to the joy of the angels in the words of the hymn:
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear."*
It came upon a midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold:
'Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From heaven's all gracious King!'
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
My Part
Take time to write down the words that your heart resonates with, and to pray that this Christmas you can join the angels in what they had to say and why they were filled with praise.
*"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," Sears, Edmund H. and Willis, Richard S., Public Domain.
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