Christmas Eve // Luke 2:11

When was the last time you received great news about something you were anticipating for a while? I cannot help but think about the moment we received our final approval to adopt Brighton and begin planning our trip to Taiwan! It was overwhelming…an event we spent years — not to mention an untold amount of money, blood, sweat, and tears — striving to achieve. We had a plan, though, and an expectation of when and how it could come together. For those awaiting the arrival of the Messiah back in the time of Jesus’ birth, they had endured centuries of waiting. God was silent for some 400 years and I imagine the oppressive stillness and silence was an all-too-common reality. On that first Christmas night, though, shepherds were quietly watching over their flocks when an angel appeared in a dazzling light. Luke 2:9-11 records the angel’s words: “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.” For ordinary shepherds, hearing not to fear must have felt strange—after all, the King of the universe had just entered their world! Christmas Eve invites us to step into that same awe, pausing to witness God breaking into our ordinary lives with hope, joy, and peace. I pray you will take a moment today to reflect on the ways God is breaking into your life this Christmas — whether they are big or small — and allow His joy to fill your heart. Will you embrace the good news of Christ’s birth this Christmas Eve in a way that transforms fear, doubt, or distraction into joy? Heaven invaded earth on that night all those years ago, and Jesus is ready to flood your heart with grace, just like the glory of heaven flooded the night sky that holy, silent night.