An Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the Angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." 

Luke 2: 9-11

This morning, I flipped on the light in the bedroom to look for something. Jayme let me know quickly that it was TOO bright! Her eyes were still in dark mode and would have to adjust to the sudden light.

Perhaps this is what the shepherds experienced, too. The hillsides outside the city would have had no light at night. It’s hard to imagine this in a world where lights are everywhere and never really dark. The show of God’s glory would have temporarily blinded the shepherds. They would need to rely on their hearing as their eyes adjusted to the marvelous light.

This is

good news!

Great joy for all.

A Savior, the Messiah,

has come!

Can’t you see it? Shepherds squint in the brightness, listening to the announcement. God came to the least in the darkest places to bring his startling news: The world was about to change. Love had arrived on the scene.

I hope you and your family have a very happy Christmas filled with all the magic and light the season can bring.