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An Advent Devotional Study from Caring.
Christmastime can carry many mixed emotions—and lots of stress. But this year will be different.
Reserve five minutes a day to read the daily devotional entry in this series and journey through the Christmas season with peace, perspective and hope.
This “Hope and a Future: Advent Devotional Study” will guide you through the month of December to ponder afresh the story of the Bible with Jesus’ birth as the focus. Find daily a reflection, highlighted Scripture, meaningful questions and a prompt for prayer.
Connect with God this Christmas season and experience hope for the future.
December 19: The Shepherds’ Angelic Visit
Take a deep breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts through today’s reflection.
God did not choose to announce his birth to kings. God did not choose to announce his birth to priests. God chose to announce his birth to soiled, leather-skinned, field-roaming shepherds.
Imagine the scene. A family of shepherds sit around a campfire outside of Bethlehem after a long day of herding. They laugh while they tell stories. Maybe the youngest is falling asleep as her mother holds her on her lap and sings a psalm of David.
Suddenly, they’re startled by the presence of a divine being, an angel. They rise to their feet in fear and are blinded with glorious and terrifying supernatural light. Then a voice booms, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10).
The angel declares that in the town of David (Bethlehem) the Messiah has been born and tells the shepherds how to find Him, “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (2:12).
At that word, a great company of heavenly host appear and praise God, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (2:14).
The angels disappear and the shepherds stand for a few moments in awe.
No one in that time would have imagined God choosing shepherds as his chosen witnesses of his birth. Priests, maybe. Kings, maybe. But, shepherds?
You see, these shepherds didn’t have much in the way the world might think, but God chose them anyway. So too, the Great Shepherd did not choose for you to know about him based on your qualifications. He simply invites you to come.
Read: Hear from God
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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 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” (Luke 2:8-14).
Reflect: Focus on God
What do you think about God choosing to welcome shepherds of sheep to his birthday party?
What might this mean for you?
Pray: Talk to God
Talk to God about your reflections above. If you would like a sample prayer, here is one to follow:
Father, God, thank you for who you are: The God who welcomes all who come to you in faith. Thank you for your grace for me because of Jesus. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Do Good:
- Looking for a meaningful way to prepare your family for Christmas? Try our new, classic downloadable Advent Paper Chain. For 25 days, reflect on the love we receive from God and give to others during the holiday season.
- Join us in making a difference with The Salvation Army this season and help families in your community during the holidays and beyond.
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