JESUS IS FOR . . . THE LEAST OF THESE
“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 of great joy…” (Lk 2:8-10)
In the days of Jesus’ birth shepherds were poor and considered unclean. They weren’t allowed into holy places or anywhere the rich and powerful were. That is why the angel (God’s messenger) had to go “out in the fields” (v8) in order to tell the shepherds the good news. Shepherds were considered “the least of these” in Jesus’ day and yet they were very important to God. God wanted those shepherds to know, “This good news is FOR YOU. I’m thinking about YOU. I love YOU. And, I have a sign FOR YOU that “YOU will find” so that YOU will know how much I really love YOU.”
Years later Jesus would say, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Mt 25:40)
Advent Prayer & Action _____________________________
Never believe the lies of the enemy that tell you that you are unimportant and what you do doesn’t matter! You are His and He has given everything for you!
Pray for those who have been treated in a worthless and cruel way in our society.
Buy a $10 gift card to a restaurant that you can give to the next homeless person who you see at a stop light this Christmas.