Luke 2:10-11
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
Tuesday, December 16 – Week of Joy
Like Mary, the Angel offers the assurance to “not be afraid.” In each encounter with Angelic figures, humans are faced with fear. Maybe it was their appearance, or maybe it was the fact that God felt the need to get directly involved in some way with His people.
The “good news of great joy” was not for a select group of individuals, especially not those in power. No, it was for “all the people.” The shepherds were chosen among all the people to have the honor of bearing witness to this new thing God was doing through the birth of Jesus. These humble shepherds, outside of Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth, by our accounts, were the first ones to see and tell of what God was doing. What an honor!
Have you ever watched someone so humble receive great honor? In my experience, they’re left speechless. It’s because those who seek honor sometimes present themselves as all-important. However, time and time again, God chose the humblest of people to bear the news of God’s own humble story.
Prayer: Humble Lord, thank you for coming to us on Your Earth to show us the way that leads to life. Amen.
