Today's Verse: Luke 2:10

Thursday, December 24, 2009

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 2:10
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"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!

My Prayer...

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.
* 1 John 4:18.

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36 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration of Luke 2:9-10
Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:9-10 -- 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, "Don't be afraid, I bring you tidings of great joy!"
I bring you good news...
Illustration of Luke 2:10-11
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. -- Luke 2:10-11
Luke 2:8-11
Devo: Today's Verse
"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...."
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Illustration of Luke 2:8-11
Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:8-11 -- 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. B
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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:10 — 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."

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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