Bible Verses: Luke 2:8-18 New Living Translation (NLT) "That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,“Glory to God in highest heaven,and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished."
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I find it amazing that when it came time to announce the birth of Your Son, You didn't choose to send the Angels to visit a king, a priest, a prophet, or even a rich man. Did You consult with theologians? No. Did You ask the captains of industry? No. The message came to this blue collared bunch, who heard it, checked it out, and spread it. No reports were filed. No councils were convened. No committees were formed. You chose simple farmers to spread the good news of Your Son's birth. I find this comforting, because as a simple farmer's daughter, I sometimes think that maybe I don't matter much to You -- that there's nothing You can really use me for. But when I think about Your announcement to the shepherds, I am encouraged and I do believe that You can use EVEN SOMEONE LIKE ME to do something for You. The reach of these devotionals may be small -- I don't know; but I am glad that You give me the opportunity to write them, and I pray that each one who reads them realizes that he or she can do great things for You, no matter how unimportant he or she may feel. In Your eyes, there is no such thing as "just" a farmer, or "just" a teacher, or "just" a construction worker, or "just" a garbage man, or "just" an ANYTHING! Each one of us can make a difference for You, if we allow ourselves to be used of You! In Jesus' precious and holy name I pray, AMEN."
Song: Josh Groban & Faith Hill "The First Noel"
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