Joy enters the world in a manger, not with fanfare, but with the simple cry of a newborn Savior. The angels’ song declares that true joy doesn’t come from our circumstances but from God’s presence breaking into our lives. In this Advent season, we remember that the gift of Jesus brings a joy that is steady, hopeful, and available right where we are. As we wait, worship, and prepare our hearts, may the joy of Christ fill our homes and remind us that God’s goodness is still drawing near.

Luke 2:8-14 reminds us that God’s peace isn’t something we have to earn; it’s something He brings to us.

In the quiet of an ordinary field, to ordinary shepherds, heaven broke through with extraordinary news: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace…” God’s peace arrived wrapped in a person, Jesus.

This peace isn’t the absence of problems but the presence of a Savior who steps into our world, our chaos, our fears, and our everyday lives. Just like the shepherds, we are invited to look up from what worries us and hear the angel’s message again: You don’t have to carry this alone. Peace has come near.

May we welcome His peace today, deep, steady, and stronger than anything we face.

God initiated a series of events in the lives of Peter (a Jewish Christian) and Cornelius (a Gentile, soon-to-be Christian) that would result in a colossal paradigm shift for the early church’s mindset and conduct. Ten years after Christ’s commission, the gospel spread throughout Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. But now it was time for the truth about Christ to reach the nations. The mystery of the gospel, as Paul liked to call it, needed to be uncovered. Namely, God’s heart is for every tribe, tongue, and nation to hear the gospel message. The good news of Jesus is for all people.