Last Minute Gift Idea

Only 3 days until Christmas. If you need a great gift idea -- I have one! Concordia Publishing House (http://www.cph.org/) has a wonderful devotional based on the writing of Martin Luther. It's called Through Faith Alone.


Today's devotion (December 21):

The Glory of the Lord

An angel from the Lord suddenly appeared to them. The glory of the Lord filled the area with light, and they were terrified.

Luke 2:9

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First of all, the event described in this passage wasn't merely one person telling another some good news. But an angel came from heaven and announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds. No human being knew anything about it. Second, notice that Christ was born at midnight. This shows that the world was dark at his coming and human reason on its own can't recognize Christ. Heaven must reveal it. Third, the bright light, which surrounded the shepherds, shows that something completely different than the light of reason is needed.

Luke says, "The glory of the Lord filled the area with light." He calls this light the glory of the Lord. Why? He does this to emphasize the mystery and show us the nature of the gospel. It is a heavenly light that teaches Christ alone.

This light from heaven shines around us through the apostles and their followers who now preach the gospel. The angel in this story is like all of the preachers of the gospel, and the shepherds are like all listeners. Accordingly, the gospel comes from heaven and doesn't tolerate any other teachings added to it, for human teaching is earthly light and human glory. It lifts up human glory and praise and makes people arrogantly rely on their own efforts. But the gospel teaches everyone to trust in Christ. So rely completely on God's kindness and goodness. Glorify Christ and be bold in him.