Joy has Dawned | Anchored in Hope Devotions

Luke 2:8-11 "8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

When others think of Christmas, they may think of ham, cinnamon rolls, cookies, trees, or presents.

When someone who is struggling or hurting thinks of Christmas, they may think of all the same things, but those special things are tainted.

And they seem to forget that the first ones to be told of the newborn King were forsaken shepherds.

Jesus came first to the sorrowful, outcast, and brokenhearted.

So it’s ok if this Christmas you come to the manger with tears.

It’s ok if you come with a broken heart.

It’s ok if you are too overcome to sing the carols.

Jesus came for you.

And I wonder if that is why joy has dawned. Not because there aren’t tears, but because God already carries them—

Because Christ is born.

Isaiah 61:1-3

- Kayla Abbott