Merry Christmas! I hope you are reading this blog with a happy heart as you celebrate the miraculous arrival of our Lord! What incredible good news we have to share with the world!
Sometimes this message seems so incredible it is almost scary. The shepherds definitely felt afraid when they first heard of Jesus’ birth through the angels. It was so incredible, so supernatural, so beyond them.
Luke 2:9 “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Four things to take note of.
- Don’t be afraid.
- It is good news.
- It is cause for great joy.
- It is for all people.
Do you feel afraid? Afraid to believe fully? Afraid of persecution? Freaked out by the supernatural aspects of working with God among the unreached? Afraid of the challenges? Afraid of hoping something incredible will happen, only to be disappointed? Afraid to take a step of faith and obedience?
The message of the angels is a message for you. Don’t be afraid.
Do you ever forget it is good news we have to share? It’s not politics. It’s not religion. It’s not a matter of trying to convince people to believe what we believe or to adopt “our God” instead of whatever they are currently worshiping. It’s good news. His arrival in on earth and in our lives is incredibly good news!
It’s good news that He loves us. It’s good news that He cared enough to come and be one of us. It’s good news that He paid a price for us so we wouldn’t have to. There is SO MUCH good news to share!
It is cause for great joy. Not fighting, not arguing, not taking of sides. Not bombs and wars and crusades. Great joy. The kind of joy we see in the eyes of children when they open gifts tonight or tomorrow. The kind of joy we see in grandma’s eyes when she hugs those grandkids who have come back for the holidays. The joy of reunion, reconciliation, forgiveness, delight, intimacy, pleasure, peace. He came to bring great joy.
Last but not least, this message is for ALL people. Not some. Not a few. Not one people group, or class, or status. He came for all people. This message is for all!
Yet not all have heard it. That is our job. The angels did their part. They announced His arrival to the shepherds. The shepherds had to do their part too. They had to spread that word to everyone they met. That is our job too. What about the homeless man you saw the other day? What about the grumpy neighbors who keep to themselves? What about the person from another culture and religion that you work with? Who will you tell about the true meaning of Christmas today? If we don’t share the message, how will it become known by all? His message is for all.
I know it’s Christmas and we all have parties to attend, food to prepare…but take a moment, just a few minutes, and tell someone the good news we celebrate on this holiday. That goes for those of us who preach today too. If we want to make disciples who share the gospel, we need to be active in sharing it in our personal lives too. Today is an awesome day to take a few moments to do that.
Let the joy and love overflow. Let the fear go. Let His supernatural message go deep into your heart once again today.
Christmas Blessings!
