Devotion for the Third Sunday in Advent

adventwreath3Luke 2:8-20 (NASB)
8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Jesus was born to a poor carpenter and his wife in a stable, a humble beginning. His birth was announced by angels with all the glory of Heaven…not to kings or priests or the elite, but to shepherds in the fields. Poor, humble, probably dirty and smelly men caring for dirty and smelly animals. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords humbled Himself for His first arrival on earth, but when He comes again at the end of time, He will come with majesty and all the glory of the Godhead. Yet He will appear to the poor and humble—the modern equivalents of shepherds—and will save all who love Him and accept Him as their Savior, no matter how humble and simple they may be.

Thank You, Lord, that when You come in glory at the end of time, You will come for all who claim You as Lord and Savior, regardless of how insignificant they may be in the eyes of the world. Cleanse our hearts and guide our actions so that we are ready for that glorious day. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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