Christmas is over. But like any birth, it is just the beginning of a new life.

"Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them.

"'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you the most joyful news ever announced and it is for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!'

"Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others---the armies of heaven---praising God:

"'Glory to God in the highest heaven,' they sang, 'and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.'"

~ Luke 2:9 - 14 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "The greatest event in history had just happened! The Messiah was born! For ages, the Jews had waited for this, and when it finally happened, the announcement came to humble shepherds. The good news about Jesus is that He comes to all, including the plain and ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him. Whoever we are, whatever we do, we can have Jesus in our lives. We don't need extraordinary qualifications---He accepts us as we are.

"Some of the Jews were waiting for the Messiah to deliver them from Roman rule; others hoped He would deliver them for physical ailments. But Jesus, while healing their illnesses and establishing a spiritual kingdom, delivered them from sin. He outstripped all their expectations. People often set their own agenda for Jesus, and thus expect too little from Him. His work is more far-reaching than anyone could imagine. He has paid the price for sin and opened the way to God. He offers us more than superficial political or physical changes---He offers us new hearts which will be ours for eternity."

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