Fear Not—Good News Is Here
12/23/2024
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”
- Luke 2:9-10 (NIV)
Imagine the scene: ordinary shepherds tending their sheep in the quiet of night. Suddenly, the heavens open, and the glory of the Lord surrounds them. Their immediate reaction? Fear. It’s a natural human response to the divine breaking into the mundane. Yet, the angel’s first words weren’t a rebuke but a reassurance: “Do not be afraid.”
These shepherds, often overlooked and underestimated, were the first to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth. The angel’s proclamation was groundbreaking: the Savior, the long-awaited Messiah, had come, bringing joy for all people. This message wasn’t reserved for the elite or the powerful but was first delivered to the humble and lowly.
God’s good news hasn’t changed. Today, the message of Jesus’ birth still offers hope, joy, and peace. Just as the shepherds had their fears calmed, we are invited to lay down our anxieties and embrace the joy of knowing Christ.
Here are three things you can do today to lay it all down for Jesus.
Acknowledge your fears
What is causing you anxiety today? Bring it before God in prayer.
Embrace the good news.
Meditate on the truth that Jesus’ birth was God’s plan to bring salvation and joy to the world, including you.
Share the joy
Like the shepherds who later told everyone about the angel’s message, consider sharing the story of Jesus with someone in your life.
Take a moment today to reflect on how the message of Jesus has brought joy to your life. Write it down, and if you feel led, share it with someone who may need encouragement.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the good news of Jesus’ birth that brings joy to all people. When fear threatens to overwhelm me, remind me of Your love and faithfulness. Help me to reflect Your glory by sharing the hope and joy of Christ with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”
- Luke 2:9-10 (NIV)
Imagine the scene: ordinary shepherds tending their sheep in the quiet of night. Suddenly, the heavens open, and the glory of the Lord surrounds them. Their immediate reaction? Fear. It’s a natural human response to the divine breaking into the mundane. Yet, the angel’s first words weren’t a rebuke but a reassurance: “Do not be afraid.”
These shepherds, often overlooked and underestimated, were the first to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth. The angel’s proclamation was groundbreaking: the Savior, the long-awaited Messiah, had come, bringing joy for all people. This message wasn’t reserved for the elite or the powerful but was first delivered to the humble and lowly.
God’s good news hasn’t changed. Today, the message of Jesus’ birth still offers hope, joy, and peace. Just as the shepherds had their fears calmed, we are invited to lay down our anxieties and embrace the joy of knowing Christ.
Here are three things you can do today to lay it all down for Jesus.
Acknowledge your fears
What is causing you anxiety today? Bring it before God in prayer.
Embrace the good news.
Meditate on the truth that Jesus’ birth was God’s plan to bring salvation and joy to the world, including you.
Share the joy
Like the shepherds who later told everyone about the angel’s message, consider sharing the story of Jesus with someone in your life.
Take a moment today to reflect on how the message of Jesus has brought joy to your life. Write it down, and if you feel led, share it with someone who may need encouragement.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the good news of Jesus’ birth that brings joy to all people. When fear threatens to overwhelm me, remind me of Your love and faithfulness. Help me to reflect Your glory by sharing the hope and joy of Christ with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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