Welcome to Church of the City, New York's Advent Devotionals.

Jesus was good news in the first century, and he is still good news today.

In the Christmas stories recounted in Scripture, people always responded to Jesus with

amazement and praise. This response came from deep longings and heartbreak being met with God breaking in to

fulfill his promises, offer his forgiveness, bring his justice and peace, and extend his love.

This Christmas, we hope you will have your own encounter with the person of Jesus and the

good news of his birth.

And like those of old,

let your song of praise resound to the world around you.

Today's reading comes from Luke chapter 2 verses 10 to 14. But the angel said to them,

do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.

Today in the town of David, a savior has been born to you.

He is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be assigned 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. We all are familiar with waiting. Often we wait for

our circumstances to change, a relationship, a job,

a mood, a sickness, a place in the grocery line. On Christmas Day, we remember that between the good

news of Jesus's birth and his next coming, we wait in hopeful expectation, not of our circumstances

changing, but of a person who can change everything.

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