Advent Reading ~In His Word ~ December 21, 2020
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields
nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared
among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were
terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring
you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Luke 2:8-10
The shepherds who came to see the baby Jesus had been on the
night watch. The shift was in charge of protecting the sheep from harm. Often thieves
or wild animals would attack in the darkness. Those in charge had to be ready
for anything, though I don’t think they expected angels to suddenly show up and
this is why the angel began with “Do not be afraid…” when they spoke.
As we have read through this story this month we have heard
these words over and over, “Do not be afraid…” spoken by angelic beings. It is
no accident that these words have extra meaning to us today as we can read the
full extent of their life stories, but even then the world walked in darkness
waiting for the light to shine.
Today many are claiming the star in the sky this week that
will shine bright is the Bethlehem star, some argue that it is not, but
personally I do not care if it is or not because to me it stands out as a great
reminder of Jesus being born as man, yet of God. It is a great reminder that we
should not be afraid for God is with us! I am excited to see it because it may
remind us that God is still on the throne, He is still in charge, and He is
still with us. Our God shall provide all our needs according to His riches. We sometimes
just need to look for them. Occasionally the needs we have are met by a
miracle, other times they are put in a place we must walk thorugh some things
to get to it. Like many people in the Word of God, our Bibles, we must
sometimes walk through a desert time to get to the glorious blessings at the
end.
The shepherds were keeping watch by night, protecting their sheep,
which is why we see sheep in the drawings and such, they would not have left
their flock to seek this babe, they would have either had some stay behind to
protect them or brought them with. In this same way we can be sure that God has
not left us alone, He has left the Comforter, or the Holy Spirit, with us to
keep us secure, safe and away from protect us from the darkness. He left us
with the Light.
One more thing that stood out, the brightness of the angles
while they sang, Glory in the Highest, peace on earth and good will toward men…
God’s word says it right there, God has good will towards men. So we do not
need to be afraid to seek Him. We do not need to be afraid to walk through this
week, we do not need to be afraid to approach the Lord God. He desires our
good. We should also desire His good.
Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you
everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your
Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:31-33
The kings, brought Him gifts. Specific things mentioned had
a purpose behind them. When we give gifts this week let them be purposeful not
just frivolous. Let them have meaning. Our gifts should be meant to give hope,
not stress, peace and not fear, and gratefulness not selfishness. Each of these
things will keep the light on in our lives. When we can give someone hope, it
brings joy to our hearts. When we can give someone hope in Jesus it turns on
the light and brings them out of the darkness and brings joy to their hearts as
well!
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a
light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marveled at those
things which were spoken of him. Luke 2: 31-33
Let us give the Light of Christ to the world this week. Let’s
keep the night watch and point the way to His light in the darkness. Let us
find a way to share His purpose for coming to the world, to save us, to be with
us, our Glorious King of Kings. In Jesus’ name