Today's Verse: Luke 2:10

Sunday, December 24, 1961

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, 1961

A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"Along the way [to crucify Jesus, the soldiers] came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross....."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[Luke described Paul's difficult journey sailing to Rome:] We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Keep me from sinning. Do not let anyone gain control over me. Then I will be blameless, and I will be free from any great offense. May the words from...."

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.