Our Daily Bread Christmas Edition: For God So LovedSample

Joyful News After weeks of preparation by the children’s choir, the night had finally arrived for our annual Christmas musical. The costumed children began filing into the auditorium when suddenly we heard a ruckus at the back door. My wife and I turned to look and saw our own little Matt sobbing loudly, with a look of sheer terror on his face. He had a death grip on the door handle, and he refused to enter the auditorium. After much negotiating, the director finally told him he didn’t have to go on stage. Instead, Matt sat with us, and soon his fears began to subside. Although we don’t usually identify Christmas as a time of fear, there was plenty of it on the night of Christ’s birth. Luke says, “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified” (Luke 2:9). The sight of the angelic messenger was more than the shepherds could process. But the angel reassured them: “Don’t be afraid! . . . I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (v. 10). As we face difficulties and fears, we need to remember that Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). We desperately need His peace. As we look to Him, He will ease our fears and calm our hearts. —Bill Crowder The best possible Christmas gift is the forgiveness and peace of Christ.