BEHOLD, this message is personally for you!
a glimpse inside the Advent devotional. . .
DON'T MISS THE WONDER
Let the Story of Jesus' Birth Awaken Astonishment
Day 16
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for BEHOLD, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:10-12 ESV
Imagine with me for a moment.
This was my favorite part of the day. The sun had set, the campfire was blazing, the sheep had quieted for the night, and it was time for dinner, laughter, and stories.
Papa and I grabbed our canisters of water and walked toward the smell of roasting meat. “Reuel,” Papa asked, “do you remember why your name is so important?”
“Yes, Papa! My name means shepherd, and you and Imma named me after Jehovah Rohi, God is our Shepherd.” I squared my shoulders and walked taller.
“And do you remember why being a shepherd is so important?”
“Yes,” I was quick to answer this routine evening quiz. “The Messiah we are waiting for will be both a Shepherd and a Lamb.”
Papa continued with the evening ritual of questions, “How do you know the Messiah will be a Shepherd?”
“The prophet Isaiah told us the Messiah would tend his flock like a shepherd and gather the lambs in his arms,” (Isaiah 40:11 ESV) Reuel proudly recited. “Papa, that sounds like what we do!”
“Yes, son. You are learning to be a good shepherd.” Papa continued with the next question, “And how do you know that the Messiah will be a Lamb?”
“Isaiah also tells us that the Messiah will be like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared. (Isaiah 53:7, my paraphrase) What does that mean, Papa?”
Before he could answer, the sky lit up with a brilliance so bright it was as if night had turned to day. Then I looked up and saw an angel and heard him speak. Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior… (Luke 2:11 NASB)
“Born for me,” Reuel wondered. “Whatever could that mean?”
The angel’s announcement to this group of ordinary, hard-working, dirty-hands-and-feet people was personal and revolutionary.
The shepherds were the first to be evangelized, hearing the news of the salvation Jesus was bringing to each one of them individually.
Friend, this is personal; Jesus was born for you!
Every prophecy in the Old Testament—describing the coming Messiah, the Savior, the one who would be your Shepherd and give his life like a Lamb for your sin—is true.
Reflection
Do you remember the moment in time when you realized that Jesus came to earth personally for you, and you received him as your Savior, your Shepherd, and the Lamb sacrificed for your sins? What was the date, setting, and your age? Look for an opportunity this Christmas season to share that experience.
Don't Miss The Wonder!
Take a few minutes and recall as many titles and attributes as you can for Jesus. Start with the ones in this devotion: Savior, Christ the Lord, Shepherd, Lamb, Messiah.
Let each name of Jesus awaken wonder and awe in your heart.
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