December 23, 2023 - Luke 2:8-11

“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. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:8-11 NLT

Jesus, we praise you for the amazingly good news these angels brought. You are truly the best good news the world will ever hear. Thank you for all you sacrificed to come to earth for us. What a wonderful gift you have given us. We praise you for coming and being with us. Thank you for knowing what it is like to be a human and experience all kinds of pain. Thank you for laying down your life so that we can be redeemed and brought back to you. We praise you that you defeated death, hell, sin, and the grave. You paid our ransom. We can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for us.

Lord, if we have gotten too busy to remember the joy of your good news, help us to stop and remind ourselves. Help us get back to the place of living in a joy that only comes from you. Help us to not only live in that joy ourselves but help us live in a way that we share our joy with others. Teach us how to live in a way that we allow you to use us like you did these angels to proclaim your good news to the lost. Lord, especially in this season that is supposed to be all about celebrating you, help us bring that celebration with us everywhere we go. There are so many people around us desperate for the Good News that will change their lives forever. Help us radiate your glory and proclaim you this Christmas and beyond.

In Jesus name, amen.