We celebrate the birth of Jesus at the end of the last month of the year. It is a good time to reflect upon the year in a way that leads us to repentance and joyful faith as we meditate on the great reality of Christ who has come into our world.
The message of the angel who declared the birth of Jesus to the shepherds was: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
(Lk 2:10-11)
The first words of the angel, fear not, addressed the fear we would all feel if enveloped in the shekinah glory of the divine presence of God in the middle of the night. It is a fear that we would feel not only because of the mystery and intensity of such an experience, but because of an innate sense of our own sinfulness in the presence of our holy God. Just think about this last year. Our hearts are moved to fear by a meditative reflection in the dark night of our sins by the revealing light of his holy Word and Spirit
And yet, we are commanded not to fear because of the good news of great joy that will be for all people, even us. The more clearly we see our sin, the more precious the good news becomes. It is not just a word of pronouncement, but the promise of a person: for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Consider how this makes the good news of the Gospel, personal, datable, geographical, pardonable, and theological.
Enjoy your Christmas this year in the light of God’s unspeakable gift to us in his Son.
