.png)
In all the bustle and hustle of the Christmas season, how easy is it to not take the time to celebrate the good news which was proclaimed to the shepherds by a host of angels? How can we be so quick to ignore the beauty and glory of that night? Let’s take time to remember what Christmas is all about.
“But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)
Our Messiah-- the Savior of the world-- born of a virgin in a stable. This news was long-awaited by the Israelites. For them, it wasn’t just good news it was the best news ever. God was with them! Their King had come to save them. There is so much joy in Luke 2. The shepherds rush to see the newborn king. Rejoicing at the sight of Him, they tell everyone what they had seen. I can picture them no doubt leaping for joy, “He’s here! We are saved! Right before our eyes the living breathing Immanuel!” What good news! What a joyous proclamation! How often do we rejoice in the good news of our Savior that we just can’t keep it in if we tried?
It is evident; the birth of this Child brought joy, peace, and awe to everyone who heard. Their immediate reaction was praise-- to glorify God with thanksgiving. First, the angels gave God glory, then the shepherds praised Him with great joy, all who heard were amazed. Even, yes, especially Mary, who treasured it all in wonder.
This Christmas season are you praising God for the best news ever? Giving Him glory for who He is and what He’s done? He is worthy. May we react like those who first heard the good news ring out.
“After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.”
(Luke 2:17-20)
Don’t pass the opportunity to praise God for the good news of Christ’s birth.