As we approach Christmas of 2017, my heart is heavy around the recent massacre of 305 Sufi Muslims, worshipping in a mosque, and 26 members of 1st Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, worshipping in church.
I can’t help but be concerned about the state of affairs in the world today. There’s slavery in Libya, terrorism all over the world, and intimidation and threats of nuclear proliferation from North Korea.
But sometimes it’s hard for us to concern ourselves with issues in nations far away, as we are overwhelmed with our own issues. Homelessness, hunger, unemployment, health care, taxes, sexual harassment, and violence, are just some of the issues we currently struggle with as a nation today. Where’s the “Good News?”
The “Good News” came with the birth of a baby boy, more than 2000 years ago in a city called Bethlehem. A baby boy born in a stable, lying in a manger, born to a virgin named Mary, who was engaged to a man named Joseph. And the Holy Scriptures tell us…
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:10-14
And as we celebrate Christmas this year, let us be reminded that Jesus is the “Good News.” Jesus is Immanuel “God with us.” In spite of all the darkness in the world today, Jesus is the light that gives us hope, peace, joy, and love.
Yes, Christmas is a time to remind us that the “Good News” came more than 2000 years ago when hope came into the world, when the Prince of Peace was born, when joy entered into our lives, and God’s gift of love to the world was a baby boy named Jesus.
So, as we find ourselves in a world gone wrong, Christmas is a time of hope for the world. Christmas is a time of peace in the world. Christmas is a time of joy to the world. And Christmas is a time of love for all people of the world. And Christmas is also a time for giving. And during this season of gift giving, there’s no greater gift to us, than the birth of Jesus.
Share the gift of Christmas this year by sharing the gift of love. There’s no greater gift that we can give than love. May you and your families have a joyous, peaceful, hopeful, and wonderful Christmas. May you and your families be filled with the gift of love.