Christmas Advent Devotional | Day 15
Advent – Day 15
The Joy of the Shepherds. Today, guest contributor Pastor Paul Boakye-Dattey expertly navigates the mystery of the inclusivity of God’s grace and the joy experienced in Him. We continue our Advent devotional series from the book of Luke. Advent means “coming,” and we are taking time to reflect on the birth, and second coming of our Lord Jesus in this Christmas season, and its significance to each one of us.
Scripture Reading: Luke 2: 8-10
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
Devotional Thoughts
The shepherds were ordinary people living simple lives, yet they were chosen to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth. In the quiet of the night, as they tended their sheep, heaven broke into their world. The message they received was not just for them, but for all people: the arrival of the Savior who would bring great joy.
This moment reminds us of the inclusivity of God’s grace. The shepherds, often marginalized and overlooked in society, were given the privilege of being the first to witness the good news of Christ’s coming. God’s message was clear: His joy is for everyone, no matter their status, background, or circumstances.
The shepherds’ response to this announcement was immediate and wholehearted. They didn’t question or hesitate; they hurried to find the Christ child and then shared the good news with others. Their encounter with the Savior filled them with joy that overflowed into worship and testimony.
This Advent season, we are reminded that joy is not dependent on our circumstances but flows from encountering the presence of Christ. Like the shepherds, we are invited to respond with faith, worship, and a willingness to share the good news with others.
Reflection
- Are you open to receiving God’s joy, even in unexpected or difficult circumstances?
- How can you share the joy of Christ with someone in need this season?
- What act of worship can you offer in response to the good news of Jesus’ birth?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy that comes through knowing Christ. Help me to see Your glory even in the ordinary moments of life. Fill my heart with joy, and may that joy overflow in worship and love for others. Let me be a bearer of good news, sharing the hope and peace of Jesus with those around me. In His name, Amen.
Pastor Paul Boakye-Dattey has been married to Esther Boakye-Dattey for 20 years, and together they reside in South Windsor, with 4 out of their 5 children. In 2019, Pastor Paul founded Graceland Church in South Windsor after serving for two decades in ministry with his former church in both Ghana and the United States. His ministry is marked by a distinctive ability to communicate God’s word with practical wisdom and clarity. As a teacher, counselor, author, and podcaster, Pastor Paul leads Grace Space Counseling, a relationship counseling and mentoring ministry. He also serves as a chaplain for the Fire Department and works as a behavior specialist with the South Windsor Board of Education. He owes all this to God’s unending grace. You can learn more about his ministry at https://www.gracespaces.net.
Previous Devotional
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 14
Announcements of Winners… 
There are two announcements that will be released shortly!
Winner of the November Gift Package Give-Away. Be on the lookout! If you did not get a chance to participate, you can enter the December Give-Away by subscribing to the Newsletter.
Winner of the October/November Amazon review raffle. Be on the lookout! If you did not get a chance to participate, you can do so by leaving a review of either New Wine or Restore Me! on Amazon.com and you will be automatically entered into the next raffle drawing.
Exciting New Release! The Restore Me! Workbook
There is a booklet available designed to facilitate your journey through Restore Me! But Privately, Please. If you would like a FREE copy of the Workbook that goes along with Restore Me! But Privately Please, you can do that through by either subscribing to my Newsletter or through the Contact form.
Christmas Gift Package
The Christmas package is now available on limited supply, a well-deserved gift for yourself or someone else. 
It contains autographed copies of Restore Me! But Privately, Please and New Wine, a Bookmark, a Taylor Grip Pen, a fridge magnet and a Journal. Click on this link to order your copy.
My prayer for you is that you will be refreshed, restored and be rejuvenated to enter into the next season that the Lord has been preparing for you. Let’s stay connected through the resources listed below.
God bless you.
Upcoming Events
Coming Soon | Premiering YouTube series.
Follow Me On
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanagbenoto
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/susan-agbenoto. Click on “+” to follow me on Amazon for upcoming product updates.
Subscribe to my Newsletter!
Online Bookstore
Books are also available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Apple Store and all outlets where books are sold.
Pingback: Christmas Advent Devotional | Day 16 - Dr. Susan Agbenoto