Merry Christmas

12/25- “I Bring you Good News”  Luke 2:9-14

9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Thoughts: Christmas is here! It is in part the fulfillment of our hopes.  We imitate this fulfilling of hope in our secular world. We make lists and then check them off; we go shopping and wrap each present with care; We buy food hoping the family will all come and devour it; We hope Mom and Dad and the kids will all get along this year.  Christ came to fulfill the hope of the ages (Titus 1:2). 
    Christ coming is indeed good news of great joy that will be for everyone on the whole earth.  Jesus saw his mission to be bringing good news.  He stayed on the positive side of hope.  It is meant to be for everyone and not just for some.  It is meant to be for all time and not just for a lifetime.  He is the eye of the storm- the hope of rest in the midst of craziness.  It is meant to be good news of joy even for those who are living in the shadow of death.  Jesus is that.  He brings us the good news that there is a basis for hope.  He is the hope of the world. 

Prayer: Lord, may I believe the good news, and live it in the way I talk, live, and think this Christmas day!

Song:#134 “Joy to the world! The Lord has come, let earth receive her king! Let every heart prepare Him room- and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sing!