Good news? A Shepherd's Joy Series (1)

How do we respond to great news? We usually get excited and tell others. Human nature, right?

Sometimes we find out about big events, and realize that it's too big to share without fact-checking. We'll turn on the news, search online, or call a friend we think would know.

Isn’t that the way it is with Jesus? We need to investigate. We need to see...to meet this Jesus for ourselves.

… the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord…”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them....

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. - From Luke 2:10-20, NIV

Oh Abba God, thank You for introducing us to Jesus, for showing us that He is real. Stir up a sense of hope and joy inside all of us, whether we are in a good or a painful place this Christmas season. For anyone who is struggling this Christmas season with doubt, hurt, or fears... Abba, would You meet them where they are? Bring them comfort and hope that the days will get better in time. Renew a desire for us to seek You this week, and to seek ways to encourage others around us. May it be said of us when we have passed from this life, that we sought Jesus and "returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things [we] had heard and seen, which were just as [we] had been told." In Jesus' name...