Today we again welcome Pastor Tyler Williams from Greenfield Community Church to our series. Thank you very much for your wonderful contributions to our Advent journey.
Day 19 reading: Luke 2:8-12
(Photo by Inbal Malca on Unsplash)
“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 that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 11This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:8-12).
A Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for revealing yourself to those humble shepherds on that night so long ago. “You choose the weak things of the world to shame the wise.” We are grateful for their obedient response to the angelic message.
And we thank you for your “good news of great joy.” We thank you that you love us, that you sent your only Son, Jesus, so that we may not perish, but enjoy life with you eternally. We thank you for the message of reconciliation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. This is truly good news of great joy. We ask forgiveness for when we’ve made the gospel seem like bad news through our own actions and attitudes. Help us be good ambassadors of your gospel, living it out in both word and deed.
Finally, Lord, help us recognize and respond appropriately to the signs you provide your people. We often ask for signs for all the wrong reasons. Help us be like the shepherds, not ask for signs, but rather be responsive and obedient to the signs you give us, O Lord.
In the name of Jesus the Messiah, our Lord and Saviour, we pray.
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