Luke 2:10-11 - I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people

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. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

We can think of the people in biblical times as more prone toward angelic visits or children in mangers. But they were just as unnerved by the announcement of the birth of Christ as we would be. "Do not be afraid" is one of the most consistent commands in the Bible. It seems that the heavenly realm is so different from ours that we have to be told not to run away! When the gospel is proclaimed the heavens open up in our world and people have to be assured to not be afraid. For those who are able to conquer their fear and not run away, the good news of a Savior will create great joy in our hearts, for it is the reality of God's kingdom on the earth. Joy to the world, let earth receive her king!

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Luke 2:8-14 - And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at 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. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

This famous passage of Scripture is the most beloved in our day recounting the birth of the Christ. The contrast is striking. Shepherds were regarded as one of the lowest castes of the culture in their day. They lived outside the cities and were not allowed to participate in many events. Yet to whom do the angels proclaim their good news? Who hears the greatest choir in the universe? The shepherds. The picture of the outcasts with the magnificent gives us a glimpse into the heart of God. He takes the parts of our lives that we regard as unclean and proclaims good news. He opens our hearts to tell us what He is about to do in our generation. May we be in a position to hear the angels and join in the purposes of God for our time.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse