Rejoice In Redemption

We often take our redemption for granted, treating our relationship with God as routine rather than revolutionary. This powerful message brings us back to Luke 2, where we discover that the very first worship service in the New Testament didn't happen in a grand cathedral or among religious elites—it happened in a field with humble shepherds. When angels appeared announcing the birth of our Savior, they didn't just deliver information; they modeled worship itself, crying out 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.' These shepherds became our teachers, showing us what authentic praise looks like. They didn't steal God's glory for themselves; they immediately went and glorified Him for all they had seen and heard. The challenge for us is profound: Are we living with the same wonder and excitement about our salvation? Do we praise God with the same enthusiasm we show for sports teams or personal achievements? The gospel message embedded in the angels' proclamation reminds us that we are among those with whom God is pleased—not because of our worthiness, but because of Christ's work on the cross. This Christmas season, we're called to move beyond the cultural trappings and remember that redemption itself is the greatest gift, worthy of our most passionate praise.