Christmas Family Devotional Guide

Joy to the World

Luke 2:8-11 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Just imagine, you’re a young shepherd boy and it’s your first night to go with the men to tend the flocks. You try to hide your fear from the others, but after all, the nights are black except for the light of the camp fire and wolves and bears lurk in the darkness waiting to attack. Suddenly, the night sky is illuminated with brightness unlike any you’ve ever seen before, only adding to your fear. Just when you think your chest may explode with the pounding of your heart, a heavenly messenger declares a holy message, meant to calm all your fears.
Joy has come for all mankind is the angel’s message. Joy is an emotion you or the people of Israel hadn’t experienced in a long time. For 400 years God had remained silent and it must have seemed as if He would never speak again. But, speak He does, to you, with the greatest message of joy ever heard by human ears. That joy is wrapped up in the announcement of the birth of a babe in Bethlehem. This is not just any baby; this is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Just think, you are among the first to hear the wonderful message. The joy it brings is a magnificent blessing to you and to countless others who will hear and receive it throughout the ages until He comes again.
Let true joy, which only Jesus can bring, be the experience of you and your family during this Christmas Season and pray that it may spread to others around you.