Holy and Joyful Night

“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 of great joy that will be for all the people.’ ” 

Luke 2:8-10

Tonight is the night of Christmas Eve masses and services around the world.  2,000 years ago angels came from heaven’s realms to a field in Bethlehem.  We do not know what time of day Christ was born.  It is probably because the angels appeared to the shepherds at night that I have always thought the shepherds came to see Jesus after midnight on Christmas Eve, but before sunrise on Christmas Day.

For me, Christmas Eve night is the most holy night of the year.  It is a time to remember when God became a man, an infant.  It is a time to remember the angels appearing to the shepherds and how the glory of the Lord shown all around them.  It is a time to read Luke 2 with the family – or if they have memorized it for them to say it.  It is a time to gather around the piano while my mom plays and to sing every Christmas carol.  It is a time to worship just like the shepherds did so long ago.

The angels brought news of great joy.  It was mega joy that caused an annual celebration that has lasted for two millennium!  The angels carried God’s message, the best news of all time.  It was not just for Jews.  It was for all races.  It was for people of that time, for people in every generation, and for the people yet to be born.

My dear friend, as I have written these devotions to prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth, I have prayed for you and me to have a Christmas like no other.  May we not focus on the gifts that we are giving, but rejoice in the greatest gift given to everyone in the world.  Through Jesus, we have salvation and everlasting joy!  Through any circumstance...Through any situation...Make this a night of worship as we focus on giving praise for God sending His one and only Son.

Pray with me:  Father God, we give You glory!  Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus as a baby.  We worship You and praise You for Your infinite wisdom and everlasting love to redeem us!  Bless this time with family and may we open our doors to the lonely and alone so that everyone knows Your love and joy.  It’s in Your precious Son’s Name, Yeshua’s Name, we pray.  Amen.