December 24, 2021
Christ comes to bring joy, not fear
An excerpt from Luke 2:8-12 (NRSV)
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
Reflection from Jim Swager:
On this Christmas Eve it is inspiring to read from Luke that an angel brings us good news of great joy. The baby born is the salvation for all people, rejoice.
Photograph by Bill Foltz
For further study and prayer, the readings assigned for today are:
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20
Music:
“The Sky Can Still Remember”
by J. Joubert, sung by the StGs guest quartet
“Angels’ sweet and splendid throng
in our hearts and sing the wonders
which attended the coming of the King.
Till we too, boldly pressing where
once the shepherds trod, climb
Bethlehem’s hill and find the
Son of God.”