But the angel said to them, “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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

--Parallel verse:
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

As I was thinking about what I can take joy in in life lately, I ran across this passage in Luke 2. This might be one of the most magnificent displays of rejoicing and joyfully celebrating I have run across. It is normally read during the Christmas season, but I think it is something that I should pay attention to more regularly than that.

The Jews had long awaited a Savior to come, called The Messiah. He would usher in a new period of peace. The prophet Isaiah prophesied about this: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬)

So for more than 700 years, the Jews had waited for this King of Glory, this Prince of Peace to arrive. And I can only imagine how excited the shepherds were when they realized that the time of salvation had come to them — a Savior had been born. The angels were full of excitement as well and sang praise to God.

So today, as I sit here, I realize that the benefits of this day of the birth of Jesus keep overflowing to me every day. I should be celebrating, taking joy in, and praising God for the birth of the Savior every day! He is worthy of my praise! He is high and exalted. And he covers us, his people, under his wings and gives us refuge.

Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to become the Savior of the world. What an amazing gift of salvation for a sinner such as me. Many I shine with the glory of this gift today.