In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
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 that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:1-20 NIV
May you let these ancient words sink deep into your soul.
It may be the first time you’ve read these words, or perhaps this is the first time in a long time that you’ve really read them. Maybe you’re somewhere in the middle, slowly losing steam as the hustle and bustle of the season has swept you along.
No matter where your heart is today, pause, reflect, and rest in the story of the shepherds and the straw, of new decrees and new parents, of heavenly hosts and a baby King. What a wonderful story of a wonderful God!
May the twinkling glory of the Christmas season and story breathe peace and life into your heart right now.
As we step into the second week of Advent — a season marked by peace—may this familiar story remind you that God’s peace often meets us right in the middle of our mess and our uncertainty. Just as the angels spoke “peace on earth” over frightened shepherds, so God speaks peace over you today — steady, gentle, and stronger than anything you’re facing.
Advent invites us to slow down, breathe deep, and welcome the nearness of the One who brings true peace to restless hearts.
If you’re carrying something heavy today…
If you’re longing for calm in the chaos…
If you need God’s peace to settle in a tender place…
You’re invited to share your heart below. Leave a comment with a prayer request or a word you’re holding onto in this second week of Advent. And as you scroll, pause to pray for another sister who shares. Let’s embody the angels’ proclamation together — a community of women receiving God’s peace and extending it to one another.
Christmas is a hard time for me since my mother’s passing at Christmas 2 years ago this was her favorite time of year
I know she wouldn’t want me to dwell but I miss her dearly
I’m praying for you Marilyn. So sorry for your loss of your Mother. Praying God comforts you and gives you peace. You are loved by Almighty God, and He cares about your pain of missing your Mom.
Marilyn,
Father God comfort Marilyn Cook as she tries to celebrate Christmas. You know she misses her mom dearly. Help her to see the joy in the birth of her Savior. Send people her way that can encourage her. Make this a memorable Christmas for her. AMEN
Blessings 🙂
Lord please be with Marilyn, comfort her and help her to know that her grief is okay. Give her time to miss her mom this season and also time to celebrate you and your coming to this earth. We know that because you came, we as believers can see our loved ones again. Be with us as we miss them so deeply.
I am reading through the full Gospel of Luke this month. I love this time of the year… the Christmas season… celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. On my heart is my lost family members and friends. Praying they come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Thank you for your devotionals.
I’ll pray that your family and friends who don’t know Jesus come to know Him this Christmas season.
Amber, I’m joining you in that prayer. And giving thanks that the Lord loves and cares for and is pursuing every lost soul more than we ever could.
I’m struggling with health issues and the fear of how serious they might be.
I am going through the same thing, Elizabeth. And i will be praying for you…you are not alone or forgotten. Bless you, dear Sister in Christ.
Elizabeth and Kathy, bless you, sisters. What is unknown to us is not unknown to God. He sees you, holds you, and is preparing the way for you. Praying for peace that doesn’t make sense and healing that is miraculous!
Elizabeth,
Jesus comfort Elizabeth & remove the fear of her health issues. Encourage her to find joy in this season. Help her to rest & not worry about tomorrow. Revel in the fact that her Savior was born. Send people to uplift her spirits. AMEN
Blessings 🙂
Elizabeth, I pray for God’s peace to calm your fears, and I pray for healing.
Praying for a son
It’s my prayer that God hears you and answers your call
I also pray and need prayers for my son. As a quadraplegic since 1987 he struggles a lot finding help at his home. As moms, we feel so hepless Emily. Michel was educated in the Faith, but finds hard to believe God cares about him. Emily, I’ll be praying for your son as well. Keep going, with God’s peace
In Courage,
Thank you for the retelling the birth story. It never ceases to amaze me that Mary a young teenager said yes to having a baby. Understanding the history of the area & times makes this story even more spectacular. This season I’m trying to slow down & do breath prayers. Want to make the most of this season-even though hubby & I will be working Christmas day (hospital). I will try to raise the spirits of my patients.
Blessings 🙂
Beth –
I just wanted to reply and thank you, and your husband, for what you do at the hospital. While you may be working on Christmas Day, as someone who this past year has been by my Dad’s side 3 times in the hospital, once right after Christmas into the New Year, it is a blessing to have doctors, nurses, staff who raised our spirits – you will be making a difference in someone’s life.
Thank you.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder of God’s peace, always, but especially during the Christmas season. I’m praying for you Amber – that your heart receives His peace knowing that He is always with you and watching over your family and friends. There is power in prayer, and I hope your family and friends come to know our heavenly Lord and prince of peace. I am anxious about this next season of my life and so this reminder of His peace is so welcomed.
God Bless.
Dear Lord, I lift up Linda in this next season of her life. You are the God of peace and we really, really need this peace! Give her wisdom, strength and grace. I pray this in your precious name Jesus. Amen.
My husband and I need clarity on another move. We’re retired and moved south but we have no family down here. We’re terribly lonely. Should we stay or move back north?
I pray for the light of Life to shine the way as was done for the shepherds as they found Jesus!
Please give Beth and her husband the gift of encouragement to minister to the sick whose needs are so great ! Amen
Dee, I love that picture of the Lord shining His light for the shepherds to follow… the way to what they needed most unknown to them, but fully known to God. May it be the same clarity and peace and joy that lead you to the next step… even when the night feels so very dark.
Like so many, I am carrying financial burdens and uncertainties. And while it has been a really hard year, I feel God’s presence.
I’m there with you, Jill. Praying for you. What a gift that we walk through every dark valley with the Good Shepherd by our side.
Our family could use some prayer. This is the first year without my SIL who passed away from cancer in July of this year. Her son and daughter in law also just had a premature and unexpected baby in October, and her other son and daughter in law just lost a baby three months in. So much in one year. Please pray for peace and comfort for all, and wisdom during the Christmas season, thank you.
Oh, Cheryl, that is just crushing. So much loss and sorrow. My heart aches for you and your family. Praying now God meets each one of you in the grief in beautiful and unexpected ways.
Thank you Becky, blessings.
Prayers are desperately needed for a family member (a child) that is severely ill and her sweet parents are navigating an incredibly challenging landscape of treatments/side effects and unknowns. And they have 3 more littles at home. I believe the power of prayer will help fortify them and give them strength and hopefully some solutions to this illness. Please pray with me!
Heather, I will add this family to my daily prayer list!
(in)courage Community……What a great way to start the second Sunday of Advent. “PEACE” is what I need from multiple problems that have broken my heart. Holidays are extremely difficult for me as I have no family who acknowledge me and my friends are too busy. My son called me and said I no longer think of you as my mother and my wife and I will not let you see or talk to our son, my beloved grandson who I last saw when he was just 11 and he is now 15 and they have told him many horrible stories that they make up and apparently, they have alienated him against me. I am overwhelmed with everything I have to get done before Christmas. I am praying for Kelly G. who has been so kind to me and prayed for me as well from one of your devotions, but I don’t see her name right now on all the comments. Kelly, if you are out there, I continue to pray for you. I send my love to you and all of this wonderful Community to try and do just what the words say today. I HAVE to slow down as at 78 years old, I am not as quick as I was at 35. I need to get ready for church now. I think sometimes to myself that too much is placed on buying presents when almost everyone, including me, are struggling with not enough money. I finally thought to myself. Christmas is not just for Presents, but for Celebrating the Birth of Jesus. His presence is most IMPORTANT ! Love to all of you…………………..Betsy Basile
Dear Betsy, I woke up this morning sick and just wanting to browse and look at pleasant things online instead of coming to the Lord. But I looked at the devotion first and the comments and was so encouraged to know you are praying for me! So I did sit down and prayed as much as my stuffy head would let me and read some scripture, too. So I thank you for encouraging me in such an unexpected way and pray for some joy to touch you today!
Hi Kelly……I’m so sorry you are not feeling well. Where I live in a Senior Living Facility, over 60 people have to stay in their rooms as there is a nasty virus going around. Food gets delivered to them, but so many were coming to the dining room to eat as they thought it was just a cold and that is how it got spread. I do pray for you and I hope you get better soon, before Christmas gets here. Thanks so much for your replies to me. I so appreciate them. Get your rest and remember God wants us to do self-care and make sure we are well before trying to help others…………Betsy
Yesterday I went to an Advent retreat at my church. It was only two hours long, but such peace and wisdom and joy were shared!
Praising God for that gift, Irene!
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Better health is a prayer that I ask for. The flu bug has hit our family and we are trying to get over it. So, I ask for healing for my family and I during this time.
I also want to pray for anybody who has a prayer request in the comments. Throughout all the ups and downs, struggles and joys, remember there is still blessings to be found. I pray that you are comforted, strengthened, encouraged through any circumstances you may be facing right now. Amen.
I pray for healing upon Courtney and her family. Please place your loving hands upon them, Lord, and let them feel your peace. Amen.
I am currently struggling with many different issues that are occurring simultaneously. The weight on my shoulders is overwhelming and I worry about what’s to come. But I will do my best to hold fast to my faith and trust in my God, for He holds my future in His loving hands.
I have been cleansing and purging what does not belong in my heart. My purified heart tells me that the best interest of my children and my personal safety and welfare is that I be granted primary custody of my children.
My prayer is for it to be so if it’s in the will of the Most High. Please hold space for this in your hearts too.
I’m so sorry you are going through that. My daughter is also facing the same and our hearts are heavy.
I pray for the Lord’s hand upon you both and ask for His peace to be granted in your lives. Amen.
Pray for Andre who is in prison. He’s a little depressed.
I know God can do everything for him that I cannot.
God just be you. In Jesus name.