In my previous posts, I shared how Mary and Joseph received peace when they learned they would soon be parents of God’s Son. Now it is time to share Good News and fill the earth with joy!
All of heaven is abuzz with anticipation. It’s been nine months since Gabriel delivered the life-altering news to Mary that she would be the mother of God’s Son.
Now, all the heavenly hosts are peeking over the edges of their clouds, eagerly awaiting the sound of a baby’s cry. Then a hush falls over the earth, in heaven, and the sound everyone has been waiting for. The sound of God’s redeeming plan breaks the silence in the night by a tiny infant’s cry.
Joy fills the air. All of the angels begin singing and worshipping God.
It’s a quiet night. The shepherds gathered the sheep together and sat around a small fire. The sky is clear, and the stars twinkle in a velvet blackness. The sounds of the shepherds talking and laughing mingle with the bleats of nearby sheep.
Suddenly, the sky fills with bright light, brighter than the sun, but it doesn’t hurt to look at it. Then, a voice speaks to the shepherds,
‘“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10
The shepherds gazed at each other, their faces aglow with wonder. Before they could draw their next breath, the entire Angel chorus materialized. Their song uniquely blended volume and softness, resonating with an overwhelming sense of joy.
As the angels departed, the shepherds were filled with joy and determination. ‘Let us go to Bethlehem,’ they exclaimed, ‘and share this good news.’
On that special night, the angels brought joyful good news to ordinary, humble workers, much like many of us, who watched over their sheep flock.
The encounter between the angels and the shepherds reminds us that God’s redeeming salvation is offered to all willing to hear and accept it, regardless of their station in life.
Jesus’s birth marked the beginning of God’s plan for salvation. It brought immeasurable joy to the world, a joy that we continue to celebrate and share each Christmas.
https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.2.10
