Lisa Sheffler, author

Day 3| Good news and great joy!

The child who was born in a Bethlehem manger to a carpenter and his bride was an unlikely candidate for the title of Messiah. He was not born in a palace, but in a stable. His birth was not witnessed by royalty, but by shepherds. Yet, he was the one God had promised. He would not kick the Romans out of Israel, but he would do something far more significant by defeating sin and death. In the message that the angels proclaimed to the shepherds is the kernel of a thoroughly radical idea. The Messiah came to rescue not just one nation, but anyone who put their faith in him.

Read

Luke 2:10-15

¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Reflect

The angel’s message is unbelievable good news! Pay special attention to the way Jesus is described by the angels in verse 11. He is the Savior, the one who will rescue humanity from sin and death. He is the Messiah, the one who will bring righteousness, justice and peace. He is the Lord, the rightful authority who reigns over the whole human race. Jesus is Deliverer, Master and King.

In his earthly ministry Jesus would demonstrate his power over evil spirits, sin, and disease. He would cast out demons, forgive sins, and heal the sick. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet speaks of the anointed one who would come to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” (Isaiah 61:1). Jesus would claim this prophecy for himself at the beginning of his ministry (Luke 4:16–20).

The angels also promise peace. Peace begins with our relationship to our Creator. When rebels become beloved children and our sins are forgiven, peace with God is a reality. On the cross, Jesus took the punishment for humanity’s rebellion and every sin was laid upon him so that a just God could adopt sinful people. It is in his presence that we find peace, wholeness and contentment.  

From that starting point, the gospel becomes the path to peace in our human relationships. It teaches us how to forgive like Jesus does and be reconciled with one another. Because we have received an unending supply of grace through Christ, we can extend grace — even to our enemies. We can be quick to admit we’re wrong and ask for forgiveness. We can offer forgiveness to those who wrong us. The gospel teaches us that love covers a multitude of sins and to trust in the God of justice who will right every wrong.

Family situations can be complicated. Long-held grudges and resentments can bubble to the surface during the holidays. Pray for peace in your relationships this Christmas, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what steps you might need to take.

If we want to see more peace in our lives and in the lives of those around us, we need to live out the gospel and share it with others. With every person who receives the Spirit, the Kingdom of God expands. We need to proclaim the good news that the shepherds heard at Christmas, so that others can know the amazing miracle God did one night in Bethlehem.

Are you in need of peace this Christmas? Peace with God? Peace in your spirit? Confess your sins and express that need to God in prayer.

Are you desiring peace with another person? Pray about opportunities to make peace with others during the Christmas season. Could this Christmas be the time when you seek forgiveness? Or maybe a time you could offer it?