December 14, 2020

…the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” – Luke 2:10

Advent Lighting – Light three candles of advent; hope, peace, joy

At the birth of Christ, we hear of the great pronouncement to the shepherds, who are in the fields watching their flocks by night. We might wonder why the good news of great joy was given to those who were working the night shift? Perhaps it is because they were the only ones outside at the time. However, I tend to believe the inclusion of the shepherds in this Christmas story is part of Luke’s inclusivity of all. Luke is the only gospel writer who is not born Jewish. Luke is a Greek, and so the focus of his gospel has an underlying theme that all are included in the salvation that comes from God through Christ.

The beauty of this message begins even here in the opening chapters as the shepherds, those who would be unnamed, who by societies standards would be consider unimportant, yet, they receive the great announcement of the birth of their and our savior.

The Savior of the world, is exactly that, the one who came to save the entire world, including all people and all creation. The great joy we have is when we become aware that we are a part of this great salvation. It is a sign that we are loved by God, no matter our past, because God has plans to give us blessed future of hope in Christ name. My hope is that we would remember the great joy of our salvation, and in that joy seek to share it with others as we proclaim the goodness of our God. In such joy we are revived, because we know we are alive in Christ now and forevermore.

Grace & Peace,
Sam