Read Luke 2:8-14
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
Meditate
I love Christmas cards. I remember the days when I would go to the mailbox and have three or four cards daily. We would read them (and often the family newsletter they contained) and then set them up on the top of the old piano. In the midst of my daily routine, the cards were a reminder to stop and celebrate friends, family, and the Christmas season.
Now, I may get three or four all holiday season. I miss the sharing of seasons greetings and family news. I miss the colors and messages and notes from friends far away. I miss the break in a day that makes an ordinary day feel special. I miss the announcement that this is the season of the birth of Christ, the Good News.
The shepherds were going about their business, doing what shepherds do. It was just another day. In the midst of their watching and talking and daily routine, an angel steps in with family news—the Christ has been born. This moment, to me, is the first Christmas card.
It is an interruption in their day, a refocusing from the tasks at hand to the promise of God. It has all the ingredients of a great Hallmark card anointed with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
And there is more to the card! The shepherds can find him, not in the home of a king or ruler, but in a place that shepherds would find familiar—a manger. The angel’s announcement is truly good news, an unexpected Christmas greeting.
Getting one Christmas card is great. But suddenly the sky is filled with a multitude of angels, an avalanche of Christmas greetings, declaring the blessings of God to a people who need good news:
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
As we go through our day, let us remember and marvel at the wonder of this first Christmas greeting. Remember to give God glory, and receive the peace he has for you.
Pray
“Father, today I give you all glory as I celebrate the good news of Christ. As your child, I receive your peace and walk in your divine pleasure. Amen.
Contemplate
- Take some time and out a couple of real, physical Christmas cards this year. Write a note of blessing and encouragement to the recipient.
- Listen to the presentation of “Angels We Have Heard On High.” Imagine the wonder of that moment with the shepherds and celebrate the announcement of God’s good news.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
