Morgan Teruel: Welcome to the Sandals Church podcast. My name is Morgan. And during this Advent season, we invite you to pause and reflect with us. Advent is a season of anticipation. A time to remember the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings as he became God with us.
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let's take a moment to step away from the busyness and center our minds on the one who gives every good and perfect gift. Wherever you are, whether at home, out for a walk, or in the midst of a hectic day, let these words speak to your soul. May you be refreshed and filled with the unshakable hope, lasting peace, overflowing joy, and boundless love that only Christ can offer. Let's take this time together to listen and reflect.
Jackson Waldrop: A baby was born in Bethlehem. As mom and dad gaze upon their newborn son, simultaneously there's a message to some of the lowliest people who are simply going about their daily work. Listen to this passage from Luke chapter 2 verses 8 through 15, to hear about the good news that they heard. That night, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them.
They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. Don't be afraid, he said. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The savior, yes, the messiah, the lord has been born today in Bethlehem. The city of David.
And you will recognize him by this sign. You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, laying in a manger. Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others, the armies of heaven, praising god and saying, glory to god in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom god is pleased. When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, let's go to Bethlehem. Let's see this thing that has happened, which the lord has told us about.
The joy of seeing a newly born child. The joy of meeting a baby for the first time. The joy of watching a child grow and learn. Of hearing them speak. Of calling you by name.
The joy on a child's face is contagious. Who can help but laugh when a child laughs? Even the strongest submit with joy to the power of the smallest of children. What is this about our nature that god designed us to have joy so easily awakened? God knows us, so consider the gift he gave.
The father sent his son who was once a child. A child who took his first steps. A child who laughed and played. A child whose joy was contagious. Just like billions of children who live on this earth before and after him.
Think of the joy Mary and Joseph were given. Meeting their child for the first time. How did they look at him? What do they say? Think of those who visited this precious child savior.
Do they laugh? Do they cry? Do you see the contagious joy? Now step into the scene and picture yourself included meeting this baby boy named Jesus. What do you see when he looks at you?
How does it feel to see him smile? You see your king as a baby, and you hear him as he babbles and coos. Listen to his voice as he discovers new sounds. Someday, he'll speak a word. Imagine the joy of his face when he smiles at you.
Can you help but smile too? Jesus was once a child who laughed and played. He cried and slept and ate. A baby who grew and grew. These things you both have in common.
You both brought someone joy. And this someone was blessed to have that joy awakened. Your joy was surely contagious. Imagine this child speaking your name. How does it feel to hear this child say your name?
How does he respond when you say his? Think of the joy that comes with something new. Something that has been created or recreated perfectly. Think of the joy that comes with the life lived with Jesus. A life that has been remade in the newness of the savior.
Savor the joy you have living in the promise. That a life lived in the presence of Christ leads to an overflowing joy.