Augsburg Fortress

An angel came to some shepherds watching their sheep one night. That would have been surprising, to say the least! Then the angel announced not just good news but good news of great joy, and not just for the shepherds but for all people: Jesus, the Messiah and Savior, was born. The shepherds left and found the child in a manger and— of course—they were overjoyed and shared this wonderful news with others.  

This devotional explores, shares, and celebrates that joyous good news by continuing a centuries-old Christian tradition of setting aside time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and to anticipate his return. The Advent season of preparation then unfolds in the joy of the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany. 

Good News, Great Joy provides daily devotions for the first Sunday of Advent (December 1, 2024) through Epiphany (January 6, 2025). These devotions explore year C scripture readings (in the Revised Common Lectionary) for the Sundays of Advent and Christmas, as well as for the festival days of Christmas and Epiphany. Each reading is accompanied by an image, a reflection, and a prayer. The writers bring their unique voices and pastoral wisdom to these texts, and offer the voices of other witnesses in the quotations they have chosen for the “To ponder” sections. The devotional also provides household blessings and prayers to enrich your preparations and celebrations during the Advent and Christmas seasons.