Today's Verse: Luke 2:8-11

Monday, December 22, 2014

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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
— Luke 2:8-11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Shepherds and the glory of the Lord in the same sentence. Shepherds enjoyed a great heritage in Israel with Abraham, Moses, and David as notable shepherds and God being identified through Psalm 23 as a great shepherd. But by this time in Israelite history, they were not highly regarded. They smelled like sheep. They spent their time with sheep. They were not really clean and religious enough to be considered spiritual. So when God chose to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds with his contingent of angels he makes his point clear: Everyone is loved by God, everyone has access to God, and everyone is desired by God.

My Prayer...

Holy and Almighty God, I confess to you that sometimes the outward appearance and reputation of a person colors the way I treat them. But today, I'm convicted of how much you want everyone to know about your grace in Jesus. Give me a heart to love all people and passion to share your grace with them. In the name of Jesus I pray this. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

49 Related Resources by Heartlight

Angel Appearance
Illustration of Luke 2:8-11
Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:8-11 -- 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. B
The King's Location
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"That night [after Jesus was born,] there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord....."
Why Christmas Is about Easter
Article by Rubel Shelly
Uh? Christmas is about easter? Tis the season! Rubel Shelly puts Christmas into perspective by talking about Easter and the resurrection hope of the Savior.
The Christmas Interruption
Article by Max Lucado
Pause and let God speak hope rather than giving way to fear and panic. Max Lucado reminds us that the first Christmas was one big gigantic interruption in the life of unknown shepherds.
See All 49 Related Resources about Luke 2:8-11

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:8-11 — 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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 22, 2014

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Lord Hears their Cries'
"The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Don't Worry about What to Say!' (Mk. 13:11)
"[Jesus said,] "But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Satan and His Agents Can Be in Disguise'
"But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Care for Absent Loved Ones' (1 Th. 3:1-13)
"Dear Father, our partner in caring, How hard it is to be far away from those we want to encourage to walk in your ways. We leave them in your hands,...."

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.

More Today's Verse