"Do not be afraid." That's what the angel of the Lord tells the shepherds as they see him and the glory of the Lord" shining around them.
They were terrified because the angel was unexpected, glorious, and overwhelming.
So, what can cast away fear in such a moment of heaven's glorious radiance? The joy of knowing that God has come to earth to end the domination of sin, death, and hell over human existence (Hebrews 2:14-15).
God has come himself in Jesus as Immanuel (Matthew 1:23) to end the evil one's curse and bring salvation for all people.
Terror must not master our hearts, only holy fear, a deep reverence and awe as we realize that God has broken through every barrier to reach us with his overwhelming grace and presence in Jesus.
Yes, we welcome this "news of great joy for all the people," and pledge to share it with the world because the Lord has come!
We praise you, Almighty God, for the gift of joyous love that chases away all of our fear.* Fill our hearts with your joy and fill our minds with reverent wonder as we lean close to comprehend your love for us.
Stir us with greater concern for those who have not heard of your Son's coming, don't understand the power of his love, and have not yet accepted your offer of grace in him.
We pray in thanks, joy, and praise for Jesus' coming and his intercession for us as we pray.
Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayers for Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.
"Dear Follower, Don't you hate it when people try to make religion into something that's always somber, serious, and joyless? Yes, I came for serious...." — Read Full Devo
"Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he came and set his people free."" — Read Full Devo
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