Read Luke 2:1-52

As you read this chapter, did your thoughts go to visions of Christmas trees and lights, candles and cookies, family and friends, glitter and gifts?

That’s all part of our Christmas experience.

The first century realities for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were much different. Their experience included a long journey in a day without modern transportation. It included the mad, desperate scramble to find housing while settling for a dwelling for livestock. Their experience likely included the anxious anticipation of the birth of their first child without the help of trained medical professionals.

Still, they were rewarded with a son. But He was more than the son of Mary (and step-son of Joseph). He was the Son of God! Here’s how the angel announced the glad tidings of His birth to the shepherds:

““Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Matt. 2:10, 11).

Four ideas stand out here:

1. Good news – Christ’s coming had been prophesied since God’s announcement to Eve that one of her offspring would crush the head of Satan (Gen. 3:15). People like Simeon had anticipated it for centuries! The good news was that He had finally come! In the midst of the negative tones of headlines and many social media posts, remember this good news!
2. Great joy – We see that joy in the shepherds as they returned to their fields and in the thanksgiving offered by Anna in the temple. We can experience that joy as we intentionally focus on hope in the face of adversity.
3. All people – His birth was joyful news for upper echelon magi and lowly shepherds. In the words of Simeon, He is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Lk. 2:32). That joyful news is for you and all people around the world.
4. A Savior – Christ can save people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Rev. 5:9) from consequences of and their slavery to sin. He has rescued and is rescuing me from those realities. Is He doing the same for you?

That good news of great joy for all people is a message for all year long. Celebrate it and share it today.

A Savior has come!

Steve Kern