“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10,11. (NKJV).
“There. The bright star in the evening sky,” Grandfather pointed into the heavens. “See it?“
“Wow. It’s amazing.”
"As bright and beautiful as it is, doesn’t compare to the light the shepherds saw that night."
“I’d have been terrified.” Grandfather chuckled.“You could say the same for them. They were minding their own business, watching over the sheep, when suddenly light flooded them and an angel of the Lord told them not to be afraid..."
“Why didn’t the angel come to them during the day? Think that would have helped?”
“Don’t think so, Timmy. During this time in history God had been silent for a long time. The Romans were in charge of the country. Times were hard. The future seemed bleak—dark.”
“That’s when we need the light, right?”
“Right you are, son. Hopelessness cripples us, causes us to doubt. When we’re interrupted by joy, the light shines the brightest.”
“Wonder what it was like? To hear the angel of the Lord bring the good news?”
Grandfather tilted his head. “You do realize this event filters down to us today?”
“Don’t understand.”
“This good news wasn’t only for the shepherds. The angel declared the message for all people. That’s you and me.” He put his arm around Timmy’s shoulders, smiling at his look of awe.
“Don’t understand.”
“This good news wasn’t only for the shepherds. The angel declared the message for all people. That’s you and me.” He put his arm around Timmy’s shoulders, smiling at his look of awe.
“All people? No matter who they are or what they’ve done?”
“Absolutely.”
“No matter where they live?” A nod.
“That’s the best news ever.”
“Totally agree.”
Timmy grabbed his jacket. “Be right back. Need to tell Jake this Good News.”
“Take your time.”
He poked his head back in the room. “Grandfather? Will you pray for me—as I share with Jake?”
“Of course. ‘Lord. Please use Timmy to share your love and joy with Jake. To God be the Glory. Amen.’”
Kingdom Thinking. I was interrupted by joy the moment I realized the Lord Jesus included me in the tidings of great joy. Because of His great love, He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?