Weekly Devotional
Joy Series: "The Greatest News Ever Heard" (Volume I Devotional #012)
“…the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.”
Luke 2.15-16
Here we are again, my beloved readers, about to embark upon another week. In this next coming week, let us pursue it as the shepherds did with haste1 and wonder in their hearts. Think of that night when an angel of the Lord stood before them and how the glory of the Lord brightened all around them.2 In my minds eye I visualize a brightness beyond compare and a power beyond words to explain. Think of the conversations these men must have had as they started walking towards the manger that night3 and the bright star which had been seen from the East.4
Consider the thought, if you will, that we, as children of the Most High, are just as these shepherds. As we travel through the new week, consider the thought, that we are to follow the example of these shepherds and make widely known that “in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord”5 was born.
The greatest difference from our story and theirs—is that we are able to see from the heart of the faith of a child what the Babe in the manger had accomplished. We have seen Him conquer sin and death for all those who believe.
Now consider this difference. The shepherds, as the Biblical narrative records it, did not make widely known until after they saw Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. On the other hand, we, as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ make widely known what we have not yet seen. It reminds me of the Lord’s words to the Apostle Thomas, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”6
My beloved readers, we are so blessed during this time in the world. Let us pursue this week with the same joy that was experienced on that same great night of the hope of our salvation, and let us always be mindful of the victory that was accomplished by our Lord, Who was once lying in a manger and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.
Prayer: Father in Heaven. We thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save all mankind from their sins. Let us always know in our hearts that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life of all men’s souls. May we look to Your Son in all that we do and seek to praise Him in our lives for all that He has done. We love You, Lord, and praise You, forever and ever. Amen.
This week’s memory verse from the Weekly Devotional is Luke 2.13-14:
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
Read: Luke 2.16.
Read: Luke 2.9.
Read: Luke 2.9-10
Read: Matthew 2.1-2.
Luke 2.11, NKJV. Read: Luke 2.16-18.
John 20.29, NKJV.
Thank you for sharing that devotional pator ron I appreciate the opportunity to reflect together on God’s Word. The truth of Scripture gives deep encouragement, guidance, and life-transforming power. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path Psalm 119:105 which helps us navigate daily challenges and shows us the way even when life seems uncertain. Without His Word, we stumble like a blind person in a dark room Proverbs 3:5-6 but when we trust and follow His Word, our paths are made straight and our hearts are filled with peace. All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16-17 so reading it daily equips us to face trials, make wise decisions, and grow closer to Him.
Engaging with Scripture strengthens our faith Romans 10:17 renews our minds Romans 12:2 and prepares us for every good work God calls us to do Ephesians 2:10 As we meditate on His promises, we find courage, hope, and joy Philippians 4:13-14 and are reminded that God’s love and faithfulness never fail Lamentations 3:22-23 I also humbly ask for your prayers for our ministry in India and the precious children we serve during this Christmas season Pray that each child experiences the love, joy, and hope of Jesus in a tangible way Pray that God provides gifts, meals, and blessings that show them they are seen and cherished by Him Matthew 19:14 Pray that their hearts are touched by His presence, that they grow in faith John 3:16 and that these experiences inspire them to know and follow Christ for a lifetime.
May the Lord continue to guide us by His Word, strengthen our faith, bless our efforts in ministry, and fill every child’s heart with the true joy and peace that only Emmanuel, God with us, can give Isaiah 9:6 Philippians 4:7