“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” ~ Luke 2:8-12
As we celebrate, on this 25th day of December, the birth of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, we reflect on the first Noel that was declared by angels to lowly shepherds. The angels were excited to share the good news of great joy. The long-prophesied, the long-awaited Messiah, was born. Not in some palace or ritzy dwelling, but in a foul-smelling, animal-filled stable.
God Himself humbled Himself and was born of a woman in order to become man so that He, through His own death, might redeem man. That is the good tidings of great joy. But it was not just for the shepherds, or the Israelites, or the rich, or the poor for that matter; it was for all people. Whomsoever will…, can come to Him.
As I mentioned, the angels were excited to share the good news that, incidentally, was not for them. How about you? Are you excited to share the good news of great joy? Are you excited to tell others, or are you intimidated? This Christmas, amidst all the celebrating, remember to put Jesus first. It’s His birthday we are commemorating. Yes, yes, I realize that Jesus was more than likely not born on December 25th, but it’s the day we commemorate His birth.
It’s not about the day; it’s about His birth. You don’t see the Commonwealth citizens up in arms because the queen of England’s birthday is commemorated on a day other than her natural birthday. So, let us remind our friends and neighbors and even family members who have forgotten what we are actually celebrating. The birth of Jesus Christ, who came to earth as a man, to live and to die, and to be buried, and to be raised to life on the 3rd day. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He is coming back to get us soon. That is the First Noel proclaimed by the angels that day or night 2000 years ago.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life with You. Give us the excitement, the boldness, and the confidence to share this good news with others.
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