For You From The Word
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy.” (Luke 2:10, NIV)
For You To Think About
Advent, meaning “coming” or “appearance,” is the season leading up to Christmas. It’s a time when we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ and look forward to His reappearance. In many Christian traditions, the third week in Advent focuses on joy.
Joy may be a surprise. Put yourself in the shepherds’ sandals. They were on a hillside prepping for their nightly camp out, when – of all things – an angel shows up and starts talking to them. It was the surprise of their lives.
Joy can happen to anybody. To a shepherd, this turn of events was preposterous. Surely a priest or a Levite would experience a miraculous appearance – not a shepherd, who stood on the lowest social rungs in Jewish culture. Yet angels are God’s messengers, charged with delivering God’s messages to those the Almighty designates. And in this case, the angel’s message was designated for the shepherds.
Joy does not coexist with fear. The angel’s message was two-fold.
- Don’t be afraid.
- This news can give you joy.
A woman or man who faces an unplanned pregnancy, like the shepherds, faces an unexpected surprise. To be just anybody and then singled out with a special message appears absurd. But God’s message is this: Don’t be afraid. This news can bring you joy.
Who will share that message with them? You may not be an angel. But you can be God’s messenger and share these truths.
For You To Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your message to us: we are not to be afraid. You have a gift of joy for us in Jesus. Give me the opportunity to share that message of joy with a woman or man who faces an unplanned pregnancy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More Advent Devotionals for Pregnant Women
She Had 3 Reasons to Say No to Life – But Said Yes
How One Woman Responded to an Unplanned Pregnancy
What To Do When Pregnancy Is a Surprise