Angelic Announcement - December 20

In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”

Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! Luke 2:8-14 (HCSB)

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The angels cannot keep the story of Jesus' birth to themselves. An angel reveals the glorious good news to common people, shepherds in the fields with their sheep. Even though only a newborn baby, Jesus is heralded as Lord, Savior and Messiah. God has taken on flesh and made his dwelling among the creatures of his creation: God's plan of redemption has begun.

One angel is not enough for an event of this magnitude. An army of angels suddenly appears praising God. They announce that this baby not only brings glory to God but brings peace to mankind, peace between God and man. What an overwhelming experience! Imagine how this scene must have flooded the senses of these shepherds, surrounded by God's glory and the sounds of angelic voices praising God! How could the shepherds not check out news delivered so majestically?

How do we respond to the good news of Jesus' arrival? Does it feel like good news or old news? Do we rejoice in God's Word and his fulfilled prophecies? Do we treasure the peace that Jesus provides for us? Do we joyously sing songs declaring Jesus' birth? Do we share the holiday joy of Jesus with others? May our lives be a part of God's glorious story as we enjoy the festivities of the holiday season!

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Holy God, I magnify you, the One whose glory is beyond measure. I thank you that Jesus came to provide peace with God for me. Please help me to live my life for your glory and find my greatest joy in you. Glory to God in the highest heaven! Amen.

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Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Illustration from Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing