Wednesday, December 18

December 18th, 2024
by Dillon Evans

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.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the
manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told
them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to
them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and
seen, which were just as they had been told.
–Luke 2:15-20

Such a little word to carry a huge feeling. A couple of weeks ago my oldest
granddaughter called me. And I have to admit that my heart started to react with a
feeling of panic because like most people her age, she will text me everyday. But to
receive a telephone call from her usually means something bad. However, this time
she was calling with good news and we got to laugh together and my heart smiled
all day. As much as I enjoyed that call, it was happiness, not true joy.

When we have good news we automatically want to share it with someone. Just
like the shepherds did. First the shepherds ran to see the baby. They didn't gather all
the sheep and walk to see Jesus. They left everything and ran. Then they spread the
word, Jesus, your Messiah, is born. Have you discovered a Lord so wonderful that
you can't help sharing your joy with others? Joy is only found in our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.

Max Lucado is my favorite author. Here are some short excerpts from his book
entitled Because Of Bethlehem:

"Love is born, hope is here.”
“The only reasonable response to God's lavish love and goodness is joy - pure joy.”
“There is joy in remembering God's gift of the Christ child, joy in celebrating God's
presence with us now, and joy in anticipating our heavenly life.”

I wish everyone a joyful and Merry Christmas.
Martha West

Advent Prayer:
“Come, Lord Jesus, be my joy."

Posted in Advent
Posted in Advent24