O come, all ye faithful

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:15-20 NLT

There was an outpouring of adoration during the night when the baby Jesus was born. The angels left desiring that all creation shall praise God because of Jesus’ birth. That should be the attitude each one should demonstrate for the coming of Jesus in this world brings peace accomplishing the task which the Father gave him to do. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). That peace means being reconciled with God. Because of sin, we are in enmity with God. “For the sinful nature is always hostile to God” (Romans 8:7). It is only through God’s forgiveness of our sin that we are reconciled with Him. The more we sincerely praise God for the salvation He has brought about, the more also we possess this peace that surpasses all understanding. Without delay, the shepherds “told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child” (Luke 2:17). Realizing what they had witnessed, they immediately responded and “All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished” (Luke 2:18). After experiencing what God promised they will receive, there was no hesitation to tell others about the story. Their faith was confirmed when they reflected on the fact that they had found everything to be exactly as they had been told by the angel. Instead of complaining, they were constantly ascribing glory and praise to God. “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). As we visualize anew the image of the birth of Jesus and reflect upon the gift of peace He provided for us when we surrendered our lives to Him, let us come to Him and offer our worship.

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; come and behold Him, born the King of angels:

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; sing all ye bright hosts of heav’n above; glory to God, all glory in the highest:

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:

Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.”

May we be found faithful in response to His call because we are so grateful for we have been forgiven and reconciled with Christ.

Blessings,