Luke 2:10 – 14 

Whether Christ was born on December 25th, or some other day is somewhat inconsequential to us. The fact is He was born! The Incarnation did take place. God became flesh and dwelt among us and this we shall forever celebrate. The Word became flesh and forever continues to dwell among us. What a difference His coming has made to all our lives. Can you imagine a world without His intervention and presence? For us, this is what Christmas is all about – the celebration of the Divine who has graciously decided to take up residence with us, transforming us from denizens of darkness to become His own precious children, heirs of God and joint heirs of Christ. 

I trust we shall never forget the true meaning of Christmas. It should always be emphasized that the first words of the angel to the shepherds as he announced the magnificent birth of the Savior were “Fear not . . .” Especially today, in the context of these rather ominous times, these words assuredly need repeating – Fear not. All around today there is yet so much unrest, turbulence, chaos, strife and uncertainty. Yet in the midst of all the darkness, the divine message coming across the airwaves to us was one of calmness and such confidence – Fear not. May God help us this Christmas to face these times in which we presently live, undaunted without needless fear, worry and anxiety, but with great joy. 

For the church the message of Christmas remains “good tidings of great joy . . .” Daily as we tune in to mass media, we are bombarded with perpetual sorrows and the most distressing of horrors. The atrocities seem endless. The wars continue with destruction on every hand and side. The more enlightened the world seems to become (where knowledge is concerned), the more depraved and degenerate it becomes. Sin abounds and so many remain desolate and disconsolate. 

However, this message that we continue to preach is the best news ever. It is indeed good tidings. It is the message of good news that brings not only joy but great joy. Joy, not just for the Jews or for one particular class, nation or race, but to all people, all humanity(v10). The message simply is this – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The angel joyously shared this message withthe shepherds with great enthusiasm. 

I find it truly fascinating that after the announcement of the Virgin birth to the shepherds that a multitude of heavenly host joined with the angel and together worshipped God declaring “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2: 13,14). The point is, if the angels can celebrate the fact of His coming to us, why should we not! 

This Christmas we joyfully respond like the angels – Glory to God in the highest! It is also noteworthy, the response of the shepherds. They hastily went to verify what they were told. Luke says, “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them . . .” (v17). Their joy seemed uncontrollable and contagious. They returned glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen . . . (v20). Should we not be glorifying and praising God again this Christmas as we continue, sharing the message of Christmas? Joy is Shared!