Friday, Dec 13

Scripture: Luke 2:8-11 (NIV) – “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘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.’”

Message: Christmas morning in my childhood home was an event. Early in the morning Mom and Dad made their way downstairs to the room of mysteries. My siblings and I were told to sit on the top step and wait. Waiting was SO difficult. It had been weeks of preparation. Lists had been prepared and dreams shared. I had sat on Santa’s lap and told my desires for that perfect Christmas wish.

Now, here we were on that very special morning, the room of mystery filled with what we could only imagine, well within our reach and yet we were told to wait. We could hear Dad moving around the room. He would say, “Well I guess he missed our house this year. Nothing here to see.” We knew Dad was teasing, at least that’s what we hoped!

Then suddenly, Dad with 8mm camera in hand exclaimed …. COME ON! In shock and awe we made our way down, hearts pumping, and took our first step into the room where there were gifts for each one of us.

Christmas is a time of good news for all people. The good news is about hope, peace, joy and love, not in a present from a store, but in a baby from God. Christmas is a time when God comes in the ordinary, and makes it extraordinary. Christmas is a time when our fears are set aside because of the profound sense of God's presence with us.

This good news is not something we should keep to ourselves. The angels couldn’t keep quiet. They sang in the heavens and told the shepherds where they should go to learn more. The shepherds couldn’t keep the good news under wraps either. They had to tell the amazing story to everyone they met.

The good news of Christmas is as real today as it was back then. The wonder of God in our midst is just as amazing. So, we need to be like the angels and shepherds. We need to sing out the good news and share it with all who will listen.

Prayer: Father in this season of gift giving and receiving let us remember the Christ-child and celebrate and share Your Good News in love, hope and expectation. Amen.

Pastor Durwood and Anne Foshee