“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'”
(Luke 2:10-12 ESV)
It’s a lovely and surprising thing the angel says to the shepherds. “Unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” We usually speak of a child being born to its parents, or more broadly, to its family. But the shepherds aren’t Jesus’ family! Or are they?
Jesus seems to think so. And not just the shepherds! He feels that way about all of us, great and small alike. After all, do you put yourself in danger for the sake of a stranger? Do you lay down your life for a mere acquaintance, a casual friend?
No. Jesus is God Himself come to join the human race—to become a blood relative of ours, the closest one we have. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, He has rescued us from the power of evil and made us part of God’s family. And now He has united us to Himself—every one of us who trusts in Him.
And so the angel’s words to the shepherds are true for us, too—“Unto you is born a Savior.” Jesus is ours, and we are His. What could be more wonderful?
We Pray: Dear Lord, I’m glad You are mine, and I am Yours. Let it be that way forever. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Who is a person you consider especially close to you—either by blood or by love?
* What specific reasons do you have to feel that way?
* What about Jesus—how has He drawn you close to Him? Tell about your experience.
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on December 27, 2023
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights