Week 3 Devotional – Joy: The Shepherds’ Candle
Imagine standing amid the quiet countryside. No passing airplanes or the hum of distant traffic. Just the bleating of sheep under the starry night sky. You’re a humble shepherd in biblical times, watching your flock.
Then, all of a sudden, an angel bursts into the sky. Your first reaction? Pure terror. But the angel hasn’t come in a spirit of fear. It’s here to give the greatest news of all time:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” –Luke 2:10-11
In one moment, overwhelming fear. The next, unbridled joy! Not only has the Savior come, but you get to share the news with everyone who has been waiting.
Fast forward to the present day, and Simco gets to share the same good news in the same region where Christ was born. He’s a Bible smuggler in the Middle East, where he manages a secret Bible printing press.
He’s been arrested three times and survived five assassination attempts. But amid the fear, the joy of the Lord is his strength: “The Holy Spirit that I have … He made me really strong and gave me the strength to keep going.”
Just like the shepherds, Simco gets to tell the incomparable news of Jesus with those he encounters. He delivers Bibles to those far from Christ. He shares the gospel with all who will listen.
When reflecting on the Bible and the good news it holds, Simco says, “These words strengthened me and helped me not even think about giving up.” What joy!
