Scripture: Luke 2:10-11
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Thought for the Day: We have here an individual gift with an universal application. The Good News is given to a small band of shepherds in a specific moment of time, but it is Good News of great joy for all people. It is given to a few, but the final destination is far beyond the few. When an individual becomes the recipient of the Good News, s/he becomes, by default, a delivery agent of that same good news. The shepherds received the Good News of God’s unconditional love, but such a gift comes with an expected responsibility. Most people wouldn’t call that a gift, but in this case, it truly is!
Prayer: Thank you, O Lord of Life, for the gift of your love revealed in Jesus. And might I say, thanks for the responsibility you have attached to this gift which will continue to animate it well beyond this day. Amen.
Prayer for Christmas Morning:
O Gift of Light,
illuminate our morning.
Bring the hope and joy
of new life
into this home.
Draw us close
to one another
through your love,
born in a manger.
Amen.
