Daily Devotion, December 31, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 65:17-19; Revelation 21:1-5.

It is interesting to note the connection of the language and images used in both of these passages. Both of them are a reminder that God has been and continues to be about creating all things new. Ever since we as humans messed things up, God has been seeking to renew the Creation, ultimately doing so most fully by sending Jesus Christ to redeem the world that God so loves.

Both of these passages are focused on the future, looking to that time in the end when God will complete this mission of renewal and restoration. You have probably heard someone say, “I’ve read the end of the book and God wins!” And because of that assurance, we can live with a confidence about the future and what is going to happen in the end.

As we close out one year and look toward the new year, we can do so with the chorus of a Bill and Gloria Gaither song in our mind: “Because I know he holds the future, and life is worth the living just because he lives!”

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for your experiences of this past year and the hope you have been given about living into the future, knowing how it all ends.

Daily Devotion, December 30, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 2:4-10.

As we prepare to enter a new year, this passage reminds us that God created us to do good works. Our good works are a response to the gift of salvation. When someone gives you a gift, do you say, “That’s very nice - how much do I owe you?” No, we immediately say, “Thank you.” So, it is out of gratitude for this gift of salvation that we seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church. We are God’s masterpiece, and he has created and designed each of us with a purpose. It is for that purpose that each of us makes a difference in the world.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on how God has shaped your life for the good works he intends for you to do. Praise and thank Him for his work in your life.

Daily Devotion, December 29, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 43:16-19.

Do you like new stuff? Most of us do. Part of the excitement for kids (and grown-ups) as they open presents at Christmas is that they're getting something new. It can be new toys, a new bicycle, a new phone, and many other things.

We do like new things, but it's also possible to get stuck in the past. Some of us may have a nostalgic hope that we can recover the "good old days" or the good old times. We might feel stuck by our circumstances, or an injustice that has been done to us.

Though Christians do not ­ignore the past, faith in Christ always challenges us to look forward. Our goal is not change for the sake of change, as if new things by themselves could give us hope and fulfillment. But Isaiah reminds us of the only One who brings lasting change: "I am doing a new thing!" God says. We can find joy in forgetting our past only when our future is controlled by letting Christ guide and work in us. Because of the cross, we can experience the joy of forgetting our mistakes of the past and pressing on as new people in Jesus Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

God of new beginnings, thank you for a fresh start in Christ. Help us to leave behind our sin and to live joyfully for him. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 28, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 1:27-31.

Books about “Scientists and Inventors” were favorites of mine! After reading, I would daydream about what I might invent!

But our scripture today goes way beyond “inventing” to telling us about our Creator creating! In verse 27, the word “created” is written three times! Genesis 2:7 gives the verse which might be more familiar. “The Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” As the Psalmist writes in Psalm 100, “It is God who has made us and not we ourselves.”

The Bible begins by telling us our God is our Creator and from the beginning saw everything that he had made, including the humans, as “very good.” Within these verses we are reading today, God particularly gives to human beings the blessing to take care of the earth. And God is still in the creating business and invites everyone to become part of it.

Sometimes we reverse and misinterpret all of this. We think we are “god”, and we are the ones creating “god” in our own image. Sometimes we place ourselves in the role of the judge of the human beings of the earth and we decide who is “good” and who is “not good.” And sometimes, we hear the words to “rule over” the earth and we think we are to have power over God’s creation. We need to let God hold the power. Our role is to be good and faithful stewards by taking care of the earth.

God invites us to become a part of the creating process. We are called to be co-creators with God. This is not only being involved in creating “things” but in creating with God in many other ways, such as: creating communities, creating ways to alleviate poverty and hunger, creating water resources for communities which have none, creating solutions to our earth’s problems, creating ways for reconciliation, and creating peace.

Personal Worship Option:

James Weldon Johnson’s poem “Creation” written during the early 1900’s, utilizes the phrase after each stanza which says, “And God said, ‘that’s good!’” God created you and me and said, “That’s good!” And God blesses us today with the invitation to participate in creating good solutions to today’s problems…for the sake of others! Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 27, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Colossians 1:15-19.

In our devotion yesterday we learned from John’s Gospel that Jesus brought into being a new covenant, a new creation, and as followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of this new creation. We see in our writing today the author of Colossians, Paul, agrees with John. Paul tells us that Christ was present at the creation and that God’s work in creation is Christ’s work. He goes on to make clear to his readers that Jesus was not only the agent who created all that exists, but he is also the agent of our salvation.

God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:19-20)

Paul makes the argument that Christ is the preeminent one. He is the supreme one, not only over our lives, but also over the entire world. Paul writes of God’s pattern for creation: God created all things through Christ, and he is reconciling those same things to himself through Christ. Then we become agents of Christ.

Let’s choose to exalt Christ! Because Christ is supreme, nothing else should distract us from him. Let’s choose to be agents of Christ and get rid of anything that keeps us from glorifying Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Choose today to glorify Christ by recognizing him as supreme in your life. Remove anything that gets in the way of making Christ first: work, schoolwork, hobbies, friends, family, and anything else we put before Christ. Choose today what kind of agent of Christ you will be: an agent of love, an agent of grace, an agent of mercy, or an agent of hope.

Daily Devotion, December 26, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 1:1-5.

John’s gospel was written some time after the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. During the Christmas season, we have focused on Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts of the birth of Christ. John likely had read those accounts and seems to have decided to go beyond their details of “how” Jesus was born and tell us more about “why” he came to earth. The Son is depicted in this passage as the Word of God, and the Greek word John uses (logos) tells us the Son is like the mind of God. The Son was not created by God but rather is God, present and active in the beginning of creation.

The Son brought the light of God into the world, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Sometimes we Christians look at the world around us and wonder why it has not been destroyed or condemned. The Son came to save the world, not to condemn it. The Son brought into being a new covenant, not based on obedience to the law like the old covenant, but a new one based on faith in Christ. This is a new creation, and as followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of this new creation.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Almighty God, we know you best by knowing your Son and his teachings. Empower me to show the same love every day that Jesus showed during his time among us. Help me to live within your will as part of this new creation in Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 25, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 2:8-11.

Yesterday, we looked at the story of the “wise men” being sent to search for the newborn king. In today’s story from “The Gospel According To Luke” we read of shepherds also being sent to find this Christ child. Here, they are being sent as the result of the announcement of good news, that this child will be the Savior of the world. In the story from yesterday, the one doing the sending (King Herod) had no relationship with this child and didn’t know how to find him. But in this story from Luke, the angels are intimately acquainted with the One being born, and they have specific clues to give so that Christ can be found.

Later we read that not only did they find the child, but they wanted to tell everyone they could about what they had experienced. On this Christmas day, may their joy and desire help you be renewed in your commitment to seek Christ in your life and tell others about your experience with him. What would it look like for you if that were your goal 365 days of the year?

Personal Worship Option:

Join us for worship today at 10:00, either in the sanctuary or online. Can there be a more appropriate thing to do on Christmas Day than to celebrate Christ in worship?

Daily Devotion, December 24, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 2:7-8.

Because we have read “the rest of the story” we know that King Herod’s motivation for finding this newborn king is not to “go and worship him.” He is only focused on getting rid of this potential future threat to his throne. He stands in a long line of government officials who act as if they are interested in the work of God but are only seeking their own personal interests.

I invite you to focus on one sentence in these verses: “Go and search carefully for the child.” The NRSV uses the word “diligently” instead of carefully. Both words add to the meaning. Let this assignment be yours as well. Be intentional about searching for Jesus Christ to be more fully present in your life each day. Search for him through prayer and connection to the Bible each day. Search for him through weekly worship and fellowship with other Christians. Search for him through service to those most in need. Search for him through learning his way of love and forgiveness for all people.

Throughout the Bible, there is both an emphasis on God searching for us lost humans as well as our need to search for God. The astrologers who are doing the searching in this story have traditionally been called the “wise men.” Constantly searching for an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus Christ is the wisest thing you can do as well. 

Personal Worship Option:

It’s Christmas Eve, so come worship with us at Christ Church today, either at 3:00 or 5:00! Being there in person is the best option, but if you cannot join us on campus, be sure to join us online!

Daily Devotion, December 23, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 2:13-20.

You have been given a perfect personal gift.  One just for you. “There has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the LORD.”  An angel spoke these words first to the shepherds.  But what the angel said to them, God says to anyone who will listen.  Jesus is the gift.

Jesus, himself, is the gift. It is this gift that God gives.  A gift of grace and love that grants us first the power to receive love and then the power to give it.  A grace and love that changes us, shapes us, and leads us to a life that is eternally changed.  

Have you experienced this precious gift of life?  Do you know others who need to hear the good news of this incredible gift?  Let’s follow the shepherd’s example:  after receiving the good news from heaven, the shepherds go to find the newborn baby, praising God for all they had seen and heard.  We, too, are also invited to praise God and share the good news we have received.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for today:  Dear LORD, I rejoice that you are the uncommon God who comes to ordinary people like me.  As the shepherd did, I simply welcome you to transform my life into the extraordinary by your grace and love.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Daily Devotion, December 22, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 1:1-7.

Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, had struggled with the disappointment of being childless. They probably wondered why they had not been blessed to become parents. In those days, people often thought it was a curse to be childless, so Zechariah and Elizabeth may also have thought they had done something wrong and were being punished by God.  Until God intervened, this had also happened to the parents of Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Samson, and Samuel which is quite a list of some of the most famous people in Israel’s history.  By breaking into the lives of his people in amazing ways, God showed that nothing is too hard for him. Through these births, God displayed his amazing grace that would one day be seen in the most special birth of all.

There is something about unexplained struggles that can lead us to question ourselves and even God. We can’t understand why when we have tried so hard to do all of the right things, that difficult situations arise.  Zechariah’s misery ended in an unexpected way as God prepared for the coming of the promised Messiah. God’s presence can bring surprising blessings to situations that may seem hopeless. God chose to come in the form of a baby which was quite a surprise.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, we pray for miracles, and yet we have doubts when you break into our world in marvelous ways. Send us grace that renews us, and help us to receive it. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 21, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 1:39-45.

Luke is the “reporter”, but this is Mary’s story. If we could rewrite these verses in the first person of Mary’s voice, I believe we could hear the urgency, excitement, adventure, healthy fear, wisdom and sense of holy mystery in her voice! Verse 39 might read, “I got ready (as fast as I could) and hurried down to a town in the hill country of Judea!” If we were interviewing her, we might ask? Did you go by yourself? How did you find your way? Were you afraid? How did you know their hillside address? Did you have internet service all the way to Judea into the hill country? 

The Angel named Gabriel had let Mary know that Elizabeth, even though she was said to have been barren, was expecting a son too. Mary knew that her relative Elizabeth would somehow know and understand her own story, so she went to her.

Again, if we could re-write verse 41, we can hear Mary’s rejoicing. “When Elizabeth heard my greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit!” This miracle which God had accomplished was now both known and confirmed by these two Mothers-to-be!

These two Mothers-to-be would both experience ridicule. But they would be a help to each other to receive God’s wisdom and faithfulness during these three months, which would be a help to them throughout their lifetimes. Their experiences and teachings would no doubt carry profound influence upon John-the-Baptist and Jesus. Their sons would bring good news for the ones ridiculed and marginalized!

Luke 2:51b says, “His Mother treasured all of these things in her heart.” This is Mary’s story and witness to the world! Dr. Charles L. Campbell writes, “The coming of the Messiah who will redeem Israel is anticipated and proclaimed, not by archangels or high priests or emperors or even ordained preachers. Rather, two marginalized, pregnant women---one young, poor and unwed, the other far beyond the age to conceive---meet in the hill country of Judea to celebrate (and probably commiserate about) their miraculous pregnancies.” Their faith ran deep, and they both knew, “For nothing is impossible with God.” God had let Mary know through Gabriel that Elizabeth would understand her story. Elizabeth would give Mary wisdom and encouragement.

Personal Worship Option:

God understands your story. In these moments of stillness and quietness, how might God be leading you to give understanding to another?

Daily Devotion, December 20, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 1:26-38.

Yesterday we read about an angel visiting Joseph to guide him in his role related to both Mary and Jesus. Today we read of another angelic visit that happened earlier, this time to Mary. Both of them would have been totally perplexed by the circumstances in which they found themselves, so heavenly assurance and guidance is offered.

Still, it is hard to imagine all that went through Mary’s mind, both in this visit from the angel and in the months ahead. One wonders how many people believed her story. (Joseph apparently didn’t, until the angel assured him he could and should.) Even in the midst of the visit, she was afraid and confused. I’m guessing some of that continued into the coming days and months. However, also in the midst of the angel’s visit, she remained faithful: “I am the Lord’s servant…” She was willing to do what was being asked of her. And she continued that faithfulness through all the trouble and turmoil she would face through her pregnancy, including a long trip to Bethlehem and time spent in a foreign land during her child’s early years.

There will likely be times in your life when you will receive assignments from God that will cause you to be afraid or confused. (I’m guessing you already have experienced that.) Be assured that God will also provide some form of assurance and guidance as you seek to be faithful to that opportunity. May we all follow the example of Mary and regularly say to our Lord, “I am your servant.”

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks to God for the many times you have been given assurance and guidance when you were not sure of the path ahead. And let your Lord know that you are still willing to serve.

Daily Devotion, December 19, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 1:18-25.

We really do not have many details about Joseph of Nazareth. A reference to Jesus as “the carpenter’s son” lets us know that Joseph was a carpenter or worker of wood. The Bible’s last mention of Joseph comes when Jesus was twelve and remained behind at the temple in Jerusalem, causing Joseph and Mary to worry, search, and find him. Later references to Jesus’ family include his mother, brothers, and sisters; but no further mention is made of Joseph. This leads many Bible scholars to conclude that Joseph died early, leaving Jesus to work for a time to support the family.

Today’s passage gives us more insight into the character of Joseph than any of the other brief stories. Upon learning that the woman to whom he was legally betrothed was pregnant, Joseph had a decision to make – either to publicly accuse Mary and see her disgraced or divorce her quietly. Joseph had decided upon the kinder choice. He chose well, but the angel from God explained Mary’s innocence and offered Joseph an unthinkable choice...to complete the marriage to Mary and become the child’s earthly father. Joseph took that option, choosing even better. To me, Joseph reminds us of the important point that sometimes we are known and remembered for one thing we do in our lives.

Personal Worship Option:

How would you like to be known and remembered? Pray today for the will, faith, and guidance to be the kind of person you want to be known and remembered as. Like Joseph, we cannot be that person on our own, but with God’s help, we can.

Daily Devotion, December 18, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 John 2:8-10.

Scholars debate about whether the same person wrote the Gospel of John and the three letters with that same name. But you cannot deny two of the central themes that permeate both: light and love. Here in these verses, the writer connects those two in describing what it means to be the people of God and shine through the darkness of hate. He is specifically writing about showing love toward the “brothers and sisters” who are part of the Church. In fact, he returns to this emphasis in chapters three and four.

No doubt, those closest to us can sometimes hurt us the deepest. If we give in to those feelings, we can find ourselves hating family members, whether that be the family into which we were born or the “family” that is the body of Christ. That was apparently what had happened to these Christians of the first century and it still happens today. Some Christians become convinced that certain other “Christians” (they would be reluctant to even call them that) should be hated because of their beliefs or actions. This writer goes on to remind us that we cannot claim to love God and yet hate a brother or sister in Christ (1 John 4:19-21). That doesn’t mean we have to like their actions or agree with their beliefs, but we are expected to show love to them. It is a love that God showed to us in Jesus; it is a light that shines through the darkness.

Personal Worship Option:

Join us in person for worship this morning, either at 9:30 or 11:15. If you have concerns about viruses, remember that masks are welcomed, and our worship spaces are large enough that you can physically distance from others as needed. If you are unable to participate in person, be sure to join us online.

Daily Devotion, December 17, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Jeremiah 31:3-6.

The last few weeks, we have looked at verses from the prophet Isaiah, who spoke for God before and during the exile to Babylon. Jeremiah was another of those prophets. He both warned about and shared in that time with the people of Judah. Here, he also assures them of God’s love for them, even in the midst of those troubling times. He reminds them of how God showed them love in the past and that God would do so again. They could look to the future knowing that God would restore them.

That message still resonates down through the years to this day and time. Even when we face difficult times and circumstances, whether on a personal, community, national or even world-wide level, we can know that God still loves us and is working to restore and renew all of creation. This prophet still invites us to remember past times when God showed that love, carrying us through times of turmoil and strife. Let those memories give you a sense of assurance, even confidence, about the future and live as if you believe that.

Personal Worship Option:

Ira Stanphill wrote a song back in 1950 that speaks to the message of Jeremiah in these verses. Here’s the chorus for you to say or sing today:

Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand,

But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.

Daily Devotion, December 16, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:37-39.

What awesome good news! Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! These are some of the most comforting verses in Scripture. Believers throughout history and currently have had to face hardships in many forms, persecution, illness, imprisonment and even death. These could cause anyone to fear that God had abandoned them. But this passage is an emphatic “NO.” Nothing can stop Christ’s constant presence with us. God tells us how great his love is so we will feel totally secure in him. If God is for us, who can stand against us? So, there is no need for fear - just total confidence in God and your relationship with him. Will hardship and heartbreak still come? Yes, but God is with you putting all the pieces together for good and for his honor and glory. His love embraces us in ways that comfort and embolden us to step forward for him.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on God’s love. How have you experienced it today?

Daily Devotion, December 15, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 3:16-17.

Today we are focusing on what is probably the most famous verse in the Bible: John 3:16. It is often called “the gospel in a nutshell” because it’s a summary of all God has done for us. Because it is such a familiar verse, sometimes it is just quoted or recited without really thinking about the true meaning.

However, for those who are seeking and following God, this text is so valuable. Driven by His love for humanity, God sent His one and only Son to save us. Now those who believe in him are saved from death and destruction and they shall not perish.

This week is so timely for these two verses. As we approach Christmas, it is so hard to fathom how God sent his son in the form of a baby to save us. Jesus was born just like any human, but he was God in the flesh. He became one of us. God’s love was so great that he was willing to sacrifice his beloved son on all of humanity’s behalf. Help us to not lose sight of the love of this remarkable event that is now known as Christmas.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live a life of thanksgiving and praise to you. Your love is impossible to completely understand. Help us to celebrate Christmas for the true meaning of what it represents. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 14, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 5:5.

This verse connects us back to where we started in Advent, with hope. It is fueled by God’s love, which shines through any and all darkness of this world.

God is faithful. God is faithful and the Apostle Paul is declaring the past event has made possible the present result and the future promise. The past event is God initiating the gift of justification through our Lord Jesus Christ. And the present result is we have peace with God. And the future promise is that we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

This life of peace in and through God’s faithfulness allows us to not only rejoice in the glory of God, but also to rejoice and have hope in our times of suffering. God’s love, grace and transforming power are still at work to bring about perseverance, character and hope in our lives, even in the midst of difficult times.

“I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on December 25, 1863. Longfellow had experienced much suffering in his lifetime. During the year of writing these words, his son had been wounded in the Civil War. Many of his neighbors and friends had also had sons wounded or killed in the war. He asked his friends and God, “Where is the peace?” In the stanzas of his poem, he wrestled with this question, but as he continued to listen to the Christmas bells from the churchs’ towers, he confidently wrote, “God is not dead nor doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

God is faithful. During this season, you might be going through suffering, sorrows, sadness, grief, guilt, pressures of time and resources, or conflicts and divisions, and your hope may be weak. But you can be confident. God is faithful and hears each of your prayers and will walk with you through it all.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for the gift of peace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be faithful unto You and receive this gift afresh and anew. Let Your transforming work of love and peace help us to rejoice in times of Your glory and be confident in hope during times of suffering. Because Your love is being poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, we will keep Your hope shining and offer Your hope to others. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 13, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:43-48.

Jesus has said repeatedly, “You have heard it said . . . but I say . . .” He’s usually referring to an Old Testament teaching. This time is different. When he says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy,’” he’s not citing a Mosaic Law from the Old Testament. Instead, he’s referring to what had become the default doctrine of the day: “Love your neighbor and hate our enemy.”

The irony of a command like that is that no one needs to tell us to love those who love us. That comes pretty easily! But loving an enemy…not so easy.

Jesus is teaching his followers to love their enemies, an unprecedented teaching in the ancient world. In the Old Testament, God had said, “Love your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:18), but the Scribes and the Pharisees had defined neighbors as being only people who loved them. Everyone else was an enemy. According to Jesus, this is not what God intended.

In fact, Jesus teaches that we are to go beyond just being nice to our enemies and doing good deeds to them. He says we are to show radical love to them and to pray for them.

Jesus is showing us that Christian love is characterized by “more” – doing more than what the rest of the world does. He wants us to love radically and be salt and light in the world. His message is to live generously and graciously toward all people, for this is the way God is toward us.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus challenges his followers to the height of love, which will shine through the darkness of difficult relationships. Reflect today on how to let Christ’s light shine through you in your own difficult relationships.

Daily Devotion, December 12, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Peter 4:8.

Peter believed that Christ would return any moment, and the instructions he gives in this letter carry an urgent tone of immediacy. We should hear them in the same way, knowing that life on this earth is really short. Peter tells us, above all things, to love one another deeply. From the greeting in the opening of the letter, we see that this was initially written to Christians spread throughout Asia Minor, scattered from Jerusalem because they had been persecuted for their faith, and we can read this as if written for us as well. If we love someone deeply, we are most concerned about what is good for them, not us.

I wondered what Peter meant by saying, “love covers over a multitude of sins” (NIV). That sounds a bit like covering up or hiding sins, which is probably not what was meant. The Common English Bible says instead, “love brings about the forgiveness of many sins.” I like that…Christ’s love for us brought about the forgiveness of all our sins. And if I love someone deeply, I am much more likely to forgive them for any wrongs they may have done to me.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Gracious God, help me to love others deeply. By others, I do not mean just family, but also my church family, other Christians, and those who do not yet know you. Help me to love so sincerely that I am able to forgive others, just as Christ’s love forgave me. Amen! 

Daily Devotion, December 11, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 2:8-10.

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy…” I love that statement! First of all, the angel assures the shepherds that they do not need to be afraid, then delivers this wonderful message. And it’s not just for them; it’s for everybody! This is good news that is going to change the course of history. It’s going to transform the whole world.

Can you remember times when you got to share some good news with another person or group? Maybe it was telling your parents about good grades you got at school or that you had been accepted at a college or gotten that job. Maybe it was telling family about an upcoming birth. Or the time you got to tell the employees about a raise they were getting. Or the time you got to tell family and friends that your health had been restored.

 

Anytime we get to share good news, it tends to bring joy. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have opportunities to share his good news every day. We can tell people of God’s love for them, that God forgives them of their sin and God wants to be in a personal relationship with them and guide them in how to live life to the fullest. In other words, you and I have been given the same privilege that the angels had on that Christmas night long ago. So go let others know, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy!”

Personal Worship Option:

You have two opportunities to worship with us today at Christ Church. Come to one of our worship services this morning at either 9:30 or 11:15, then join us again this afternoon at 4:00 as our choir and orchestra share the message of Christmas through music. Come and hear God’s message of joy!