By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Praising God for His Gift!

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“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
Luke 2:20

The night was still and cold and the sky was full of stars.  The shepherds sat around the small fire, checking occasionally on the sleeping flock around them.  Each was filled with his own private thoughts on that quiet night.

Suddenly, an angel appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  The angel said, “Do not be afraid!  Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people, for unto you is born this night in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.”

What unexpected good news!  What a shock that God had come to these forgotten shepherds!  What joy that the Savior was for them and for all people!  How excited they were to run into Bethlehem and worship the Child.  What stories they told to everyone they met!  Stories of angel songs and good news of a Messiah!  Stories of a Savior in a manger and the joy of the first Christmas Day!

May your Christmas Day be filled with the Good News of Jesus the Savior of the world born for you!  May you be joyful and excited and shocked and full of the story of the Gift of God come down in a manger!  May your day be filled with the wonder that God has had mercy on His people and sent His Son to save us from our sin!  May all your fears be relieved in knowing that Jesus has come for you!

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly host sing Alleluia!

Christ the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado