Good News of Great Joy for All People—Jesus, the Light for All Nations

On an ordinary night, heaven broke the silence with good news of great joy for all people. Into fear and darkness came a single message that still speaks today: Don’t be afraid.

Luke 2:10–14

[10] but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.[11] The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David![12] And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”[13] Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,[14] “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."

Amen!! Praise the King!

This scripture is beautiful, and I love imagining being one of those shepherds. It was just another night for them—doing their job, guarding their sheep. The nights back then were vastly different from the nights we know. When the sun went down, it was truly dark. Not like our nights, where there is always light nearby. So when the angel appeared, it must have almost blinded them. They had never experienced anything that provided light other than fire.

Terrifying.

And yet, into that darkness came good news of great joy for all people.

“Don’t be afraid!”Those words were not only for the shepherds that night—they were the beginning of the Lord’s message on earth, led by His example. All are invited. All are loved.

No matter your status or position.

Lowly shepherds were chosen first. Not kings. Not rulers. Not the powerful. Just ordinary men faithfully doing their work. The Good Shepherd was announced to shepherds, reminding us of what we already know—God cares about the heart.

This is the miracle of Christmas. The good news of great joy for all people was not reserved for the elite, the educated, or the influential. It was proclaimed in a dark field to men who likely never expected heaven to speak to them. And yet, God showed up anyway.

Let your heart overflow with God’s love when you are reminded of this miracle story. Let the truth settle in that Jesus came for you too—right where you are, in the middle of your ordinary nights.

I pray this Christmas is full of love, prayer, miracles, and lifting each other up. May God’s grace and love fill you and your loved ones.

Thank you, Father, for another day. Amen.

Luke 2:30–32

[30] I have seen your salvation,[31] which you have prepared for all people.[32] He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Jesus is the fulfillment of that angel’s announcement—the good news of great joy for all people, the Savior born in humility, the Light for all nations, shining into the darkness then and now.

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