Today's Verse: Luke 2:10

Sunday, December 24, 2017

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."
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

36 Related Resources by Heartlight

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, December 24, 2017

A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Disciple, Sometimes things have a way of repeating themselves. The events in the verses below occurred after My resurrection. The apostle Peter...."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies,...."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"When the Feast of Pentecost came, [the apostles] were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force — no one..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Only he who flings himself upward when the pull comes to drag him down, can hope to break the force of temptation. Temptation may be an invitation to hell, but...."

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.