From Fright to Delight - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Bible in a Year : Habakkuk 1-3, Revelation 15

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Luke 2:10

Today's Scripture & Insight : Luke 2:8-14

Many historians believe the first-ever radio broadcast of music and speech was heard by radio operators on US Navy and other ships in the Atlantic on Christmas Eve, 1906. Instead of the usual beeps and pulses to transmit codes, they listened to Reginald Fessenden play a violin solo of the Christmas carol “O, Holy Night.” Fessenden closed his broadcast by echoing the angels’ praise: “Glory to God in the highest heaven!” (Luke 2:14). The listeners must have been startled by the evocative music and statement of praise over the birth of Jesus.

The first people surprised by Jesus’ birth were the shepherds who’d been keeping to their usual business of watching their sheep at night (Luke 2:8). Then an angel appeared, shining with the glory of God and giving the shepherds a fright (v. 9). The angel urged them not to be afraid and declared: “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” (vv. 10-11). The shepherds left their sheep to investigate the angel’s words and found the baby lying in a manger, just as they had been told (vv. 16, 20).

The shepherds accepted this good news of great joy. May we too rejoice and share the wonders of Jesus’ birth and life.

By: Amy Boucher Pye

Reflect & Pray
How do you think you would have reacted to the news the angel proclaimed? Why do you think God chose to reveal His Son’s birth to them?

Dear Jesus, Your birth was revealed to the shepherds, for You don’t despise anyone, and You came to earth to love and save me.