Shouts of Joy when the Hero Enters By Deborah Moerschell
Promotions & Listener Engagement Director, United States.
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 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 heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
-Luke 2:8-14
Devotional
When you read some of the greatest stories in history there will be a tragedy that takes place, there’s no way out and all seems hopeless. Then a hero comes in to save the day, you know it won’t be an easy journey but you can’t help but to be overjoyed and cheer. This is what the plethora of heavenly hosts felt when the shepherds were told the good news of the coming Messiah. Their praise came from the outpour of joy from seeing the next chapter of God’s grand redemption story for mankind. The Old Testament book of Job also recalled a time when God was laying the foundation of the earth, the angels sang and shouted for joy. Here we have God laying the foundation of man’s salvation on his Son, Jesus, and the angels are overwhelmed with joy once again. In their praise, they express an immeasurable peace to those whom He chooses. When we hear of peace in modern times, we usually imagine there being no conflicts amongst people or we think of having peace within ourselves, which God does give us. This verse isn’t referring to those but to have peace in our relationship with God. When we broke His commandments, it was a tragedy, nothing we could do to wipe away our sins and walking with God again seemed impossible. The heavenly hosts praise proved to the shepherds that this baby is the Messiah, the hero, who would restore the peace in our relationship. When we understand the grandeur of God’s story, we too should rejoice and be so overcome with joy that we can’t contain ourselves and share it with the world.
Questions
When you are singing to God are you rejoicing from a heart of overwhelming joy for what He has done?
Knowing Jesus didn’t have to leave heaven but chose to out of his love for us, how can you give him the thanks only he deserves?
When the shepherds heard the good news, they couldn’t help but worship him and tell everybody. Do you know someone in your life who needs to hear of our hero?
Prayer
Lord in heaven, holy be your name. Thank you for the story of the heavenly hosts praising your Son, Jesus Christ, reminding us of your gloriousness and that You didn’t want to hold our sins against us anymore. You let Him be the savior we needed to repair our relationship, knowing he would have to be like us; and experience suffering and separation as we have. Please don’t let us forget or lose reverence but have an overwhelming joy from the depths of our hearts when we understand the brilliance and greatness of your plan.