Seasons Greetings
Photo courtesy of shortfatkid
There is something about Christmas cards that makes us feel good inside. When we open the mail and discover that someone has taken the time to mail us a card, we take it to heart that someone thought enough of us. This is largely due to the fact that Christmas cards are exclusive in nature. We send them to a limited list of people that have shared something special in our lives. God’s Christmas cards work a little differently. Check out Luke 2:8-20:
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 Saviour, 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. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
God declares the news to everyone (v. 10)
Off the bat, we see that this good news is for everyone. What a convicting message! The Gospel of Christ is completely counter-culture. The world is exclusive in nature. Media tells us that you have to look, act, dress, eat and sleep like the celebrities if you are going to be on the A-list. But the Gospel was made for everyone. And as such, are we not challanged to bring that Gospel to everyone we encounter?
1 Samuel 16:7 describes God’s evaluation. As shocking as it sounds, he’s not concerned with exterior as much as He is with the heart. Likewise, we share this Good News with everyone, not just those who meet the requirements of our own A-lists.
God declares the Good News to the Shepherds first. (v. 8 )
Have you ever thought about that? The Shepherds were stinky people by nature (no pun intended). They lived a lifestyle where in stinky, homely looking was the norm. Yet God in His infinite wisdom elected to tell shepherds first, not kings. He often chooses the ordinary to do the extraordinary. In other words, chances are you are on the mailing list for His Christmas card.
God declares the Good News to overcome fear (v.10)
All too often, we filter everything around us to the point of paranoia. When Christ comes into a life, He is there to do permanent damage to that old self, filled with doubt. He’s there to bring a super-natural peace that transcends understanding (check out John 14:27). When you read the line about peace on His Christmas, understand that He intends on keeping His promise.
God declares the Good News to display His glory (v. 13-14)
Make no mistake about it, God loves you. He gave His son for you. But in the end, God’s glory comes out on top. On His Christmas card, He signs the name above all names. This season isn’t just about you!
Filed under: Christmas
