Read: Luke 2:1-20
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (vv. 10-11)
The poor in spirit know a gift when they see it, and you can bet the shepherds weren’t headed for the return line at BethlehemMart that night. This gift was a keeper! Joy invaded that hillside as they went to see what the angels were singing about. The “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” propels them back to shepherding with thanksgiving on their lips and spring in their steps. Light has broken into their darkness. A revolutionary and countercultural miracle has been revealed to them, the lowly and disrespected. A new Shepherd, a Good Shepherd, a Savior, has come!
Joy erupts from both heaven and earth. Angels sing, shepherds praise, wise men rejoice exceedingly with great joy. Their voices echo Mary’s refrain from the beginning of her journey: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).
So, on this third Sunday of Advent, join the chorus, sing along, and light the candle that represents joy. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come”! This gift is for all the people, and nothing will ever be the same.
Prayer: Giver of good gifts, I long for the joy of the humble and hungry, suddenly filled to overflowing with good news of great joy. Wake me anew to these moments that changed the world.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
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