Joy With the Rising Sun- Monday, December 18th

WEEK THREE: JOY WITH THE RISING SUN

Radiant Fireworks

Luke 2:10 (NRSV)

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.”

We were one of the lucky families who had a backyard view of the Fourth of July fireworks. Every year my parents would host a cookout and our friends would stay until the beautiful fireworks lit up the night sky. Those times were joyful ones for all of us children, as we watched the displays in wonder, fear and awe. We were also delighted for the privilege of being awake past our bedtimes!

Can you imagine how the shepherds felt? As the angel appeared before them, they were terrified! But the angel assured the shepherds that they had no reason to fear, for this news was of “great joy for all the people;” a Savior had been born! As a multitude of angels then gathered to praise God and give God glory, the shepherds surely must have been overwhelmed with wonder, fear and awe…  and joy!

The shepherds’ joy came from this wondrous display of God’s love, but I wonder if their joy also came from the privilege of being awake, of being the ones to witness it all. Shepherds were poor and considered lowly. Yet they heard the words, “those whom he favors” as the angels were addressing them! This display of glory, this assurance of good news, this love for ALL people- these brought the shepherds great joy. We too, know this joy of glorious good news for all people. All of us. How might we share this joyful good news today?

Joy radiates in knowing that the good news of great joy is for ALL the people.