Christ Church Daily Devotion Dec 24 2023

The Daily Devotion for December 24th, 2023 focuses on the story of the shepherds in Luke chapter 2. An angel appears to them and tells them that a Savior has been born in Bethlehem. The shepherds go to see the baby and spread the word about what they have witnessed. The message encourages us to be open to God's surprises and to look for what He is doing in the lives of others. The devotion ends with a prayer asking for Jesus to enter our lives. Welcome to Christchurch's Daily Devotion for December 24th, 2023. Today we will be reading from Luke chapter 2, verses 8 through 18. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with an angel praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. 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. And when they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Throughout the season of Advent, we have been focused on learning from the experience of various biblical people who went to Bethlehem. Today we join the shepherds who were tending their sheep outside the town when they got the surprise of their life. Let yourself try to imagine what that experience must have been like. First, they were terrified. I mean, who wouldn't be? But then they get this, good news for all the people. Then they get the anthem by the heavenly choir. After the angels left, I wonder how long it took for those guys to close their wide open mouths or how long before any of them said anything. Whatever discussion ensued, it ended with the only decision they could make. Let's go check this out. You and I and everyone else are also invited to Bethlehem. We are invited to look around us every day and see what God is doing in the lives of other people. When God's spirit prompts you to do something, it may seem at least surprising to even consider, if not ridiculous. But hey, go and check it out. You know, never know what God may have there for you to experience. Today's personal worship option, Phillips Brooks wrote the words to one of my favorite Christmas hymns. May this verse be your prayer today. O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in. Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.