Luke 2:10-11 – 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Merry Christmas! Today we celebrate that an angel of the Lord came to the shepherds, and a bright, glorious light shone all around them. As they recoiled in terror, the angel comforted them and broke the news. It was “good tidings of great joy” for all the people. That very day, in nearby Bethlehem, a Baby had been born. This Baby was a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! Here we have a theology in miniature. First, He is a Savior, which is expressed in His name, Jesus. Then He is Christ, the Anointed of God, the Messiah of Israel. Finally, He is the Lord, God manifest in the flesh. He could have entered, as He will when He comes to earth the second time, in power and great glory. Instead, He came in the weakest way possible, as a baby. That is the way the Savior came into the world. He did not lay aside His deity; He laid aside His glory. There should have been more than just a few shepherds and angels to welcome Him. All of creation should have been there. Instead of collecting taxes, Caesar should have been in Bethlehem to worship Him. Jesus Christ could have forced him to do that very thing, but He did not. He came humbly as a little baby.

Challenge:

The birth of Jesus Christ should bring good tidings of great joy to each and every heart. However, just the other day, I overheard someone saying to their friend in a coffee shop, “I can’t wait for the holidays to be over.” This certainly does not sound like “good tidings of great joy” that this verse proclaims. Jesus was born so you would have great joy. This time of year can be very busy, with all the final preparations and last minute shopping for Christmas. But even in all the busyness our hearts can still be filled with joy, if our focus is correct. Your challenge this Christmas is simple, be joyful in this season and be grateful for the coming of your Savior. Even when the stress and pressure of all your responsibilities sets in, remember you can be filled with joy, because you celebrate your Savior’s birth. Not only be joyful yourself, spread that joy to others. They need it too. God bless you and Merry Christmas.