"For I bring you good news that will bring joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David." (Luke 2:10-11 NLT)
Sometimes I still think about the pandemic. Yes, I know some folks fighting covid, and certainly we are still feeling the effects on our economy, culture and customer service. More than that, I wonder what will be written about it. Did the historians do a good job of documenting the details, concerns and complexities?
One of the things I admired the most during our days and weeks at home was actor John Krasinksi’s commitment to positive contribution during a devastating time. We so enjoyed his low-key newscast called Some Good News. Watching his little videos brought our family a little bit of joy during a difficult season. We can all use good news from time to time.
I’m not sure we can properly appreciate how meaningful this news was to it’s original recipients. Modern believers have yet to collectively wait upon the promise of salvation for thousands of years. Yet for the Jewish people, the idea of a coming Messiah was so enmeshed in their worship, their culture, their history and their hope! The unsuspecting shepherds received of the best news of all time.
We may be tempted to compare this level of news to the rapture of the church, but the collection of saints isn’t as readily agreed upon as the original arrival of the Messiah. Some believers even feel fear or panic when they consider Jesus’ return; for themselves or their loved ones. While the rapture has had seasons of intense anticipation, it is certainly not as widely and generically looked forward to as the Messiah.
The Israelites had been stuck in a complex and burdensome sacrificial system. AND they had been oppressed by other nations for hundreds of years. It’s safe to say they were waiting with the whole of their being for a Savior.
Therefore, this angelic announcement over the field in Bethlehem was well-received. They believed the press report and made their way to the manger to lay eyes on this tiny newborn who would turn the world upside down in a matter of a few decades.
Perhaps we’ve lived with salvation so long that we’ve lost sight of the tremendous gift of a Savior. Take some time today to think back. Remember who you were before you met Jesus. Recall what it felt like to live without hope. Slip your feet into the dusty sandals of those original shepherds tending to passover lambs amidst the ancient and corrupt sacrificial system. Borrow from their joy once more. The Messiah has been born!
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NLT)
Lord, today we are reminded again of the good news of our Messiah. Please forgive us for forgetting. We are glad to live in a time where we have unlimited access to You. May we not take it for granted. May we also be quick to share the good news this Christmas. Amen.