Daily Power #347

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:9–10)

Once again, we find an angel telling someone—or in this case, a group—not to be afraid. Like her message to Mary, the angel told the shepherds good news from God himself. But it still must have been quite a scary sight, right? You’re out there on the cold Judean hillside, minding your business and keeping watch over your sheep, making sure they aren’t snatched by predators.

Then suddenly the sky lights up like it does on our Fourth of July! An explosion of light streams God’s glory through the appearance of angels, and one of them starts talking directly to you, telling you that this event your people have been waiting on for generations—for over four hundred years—has finally happened. Apparently no one else has heard about it yet, but God has chosen you.

The Christmas story is familiar to us and makes it hard for us to appreciate just how shocking and unsettling it must have been for so many of its key players—Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men, just to name a few. But in their case, their initial fear, shock, and uncertainty shifted into obedience, worship, and awe.

The story of Jesus’ birth may be familiar, but it’s still the most amazing story you’ll ever hear.

Power Lift

Thank you for this special time of year, Father, when we can celebrate the gift of your Son being born in a manger.