Luke 2:8-12
8That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Celebrate the Reality of Christmas
As we approach the holiday season, it's important to remember the true meaning of Christmas. We often get caught up in the commercialism and materialism of the season, but Christmas is about so much more. It's about celebrating the reality of Jesus' birth and the hope that He brings to the world.
Hope Was Revealed in Christmas
The Christmas story tells us that on a quiet night in Bethlehem, shepherds were tending to their flocks when an angel appeared to them with a message of great joy. The angel told them that the Savior, the Messiah, had been born in the city of David. They were given a sign to look for – a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.
This message of hope was not just for the shepherds, but for all people. It was a message that God's love for us was so great that He sent His own Son to be born as a human and to save us from our sins. It's a message that offers hope to the hopeless and joy to all people.
Focus on the True Meaning of Christmas
As we celebrate Christmas, let's remember to focus on the true meaning of the holiday. Let's be grateful for the gift of Jesus and the hope that He brings. Let's also strive to extend that hope and love to others, just as God did for us.
This Christmas, let's make a conscious effort to focus on the true meaning of the holiday. Let's take time to appreciate the gift of Jesus and the hope that He brings. Let's also strive to be a light of hope and love to others, just as God has been to us.
Dear God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. We are grateful for the hope and love that He brings to the world. Help us to remember the true meaning of Christmas and to focus on the joy and hope that He brings. May we also strive to be a light of hope and love to others, just as You have been to us. Amen.