Advent Week 3

“The Shepherds and the Angels”

Luke 2:8-20

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.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The third candle of Advent is traditionally Pink or Rose, and symbolizes Joy at the Advent of the Christ.  Joy is a non-circumstantial reality in the life of the believer.  It is based in our hope in Jesus Christ.  That joy is never more real than in our remembrance of Christ’s coming as a baby to “seek and save the lost,” and in the hope of His ever present return to take his people home to glory.

Advent Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus,

There is a lot about Your birth and life we do not understand, but we understand enough to be amazed just as the shepherds were.  Forgive us for not marveling more at such a gift; for not pondering this great message in our hearts.  Help us to remember You.  And help us to notice somebody who needs to be told about Your love today.  Give us the courage to spread the Word.  For the sake of Christ’s kingdom we pray.  Amen.

Bible Readings

These daily Bible readings are for you to use at home as you prepare your heart for the coming Messiah.  Set aside some of the hectic business of the holiday season, and quietly reflect on the promise of the baby born in Bethlehem.

Monday, December 14, 2009
Jeremiah 23:5-6—A Righteous Branch

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Micah 5:2—A Ruler over Israel

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Zechariah 9:9-10—Your King is Coming

Thursday, December 17, 2009
Malachi 3:1—The Messenger is Sent

Friday, December 18, 2009
Luke 1:1-25—The Birth of John Foretold

Saturday, December 19, 2009
Luke 1:26-38—The Announcement to Mary