LUKE 2:17

It remains crystal clear to many of us that God has a way of breaking in and reversing longstanding chronic conditions. In fact, these are two central themes of Luke’s insightful gospel. God has broken in and He often works in a manner contrary to usual expectations – the theme of reversal. He has come and He has come to completely turn things in a manner contrary to the expectations of many.

From the very outset the Virgin Mary is heard to express these concepts as she lifts her voice in exultation to the Almighty for His divine visitation. She resolutely declares “He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, And exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; And the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy” (Luke 1:51 – 54). So often today we still tend to forget that He has broken in and according to the Scriptures He has changed and will continue to change the whole order of things.

To the unsuspecting shepherds of Luke 2:8, the angels broke in with a most surprising message of hope and salvation. The message still rings loud and clear to those who have ears to hear and will listen. Luke informs us that “The angel of the Lord said to them, Fear not: for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2: 10,11). This message was so glorious that the angel of the Lord himself was sent to deliver it.

It is with keen interest we note to whom the message was sent. It was not sent to the high and mighty, the rich and powerful, but to lowly, humble shepherds diligently tending their flock. Our God is not just about the rich and mighty. When many forget and ignore the poor, the Savior does not. His intention from the outset was to embrace and include the underdogs and the overlooked. He speaks to them a message of divine empowerment and inclusion. It is a message to the poor and lowly, the marginalized and the underprivileged. “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (v10). Thank God, you and I were specifically included – our race, our nationality, our tribe, our family, our social group.

It is really doubtful that these shepherds fully comprehended the full import of the angel’s message that night. All we know is, they were so moved and impressed by what they saw and heard that they said, “Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us” (v.15). Not only did they become curious and investigative but after searching out the veracity of the angel’s message, Luke informs us that they became evangelistic – passionate carriers of the good news. “They made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (v.17). They told it far and wide!

It’s about time we start spreading abroad again this Christmas message of cheer and goodwill, today and every day in the New Year! Not only did they share it, but they returned glorifying and praising God! (v.20)