“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” – Luke 2:8-11
Is Christmas for everyone?
Certainly, these days, everyone can celebrate Christmas in one way or another. I was listening to a panel of people discussing Christmas in America both past and present the other day. One of the panelists was an Orthodox Jew. He said he has several Jewish friends whose families enjoy Christmas every year. They like the lights, family time, gifts, etc.
So, everyone can enjoy Christmas in one sense, but of course, this isn’t the real Christmas. It’s missing both the Christ and the mass (worship service with Communion).
Is that Christmas, the real Christmas, for everyone?
Since Christmas is all about the coming of Jesus, the other way to ask that question is,
“Did Jesus come for everyone?”
In Luke 2:8-11 we hear the angels proclaim that they have “good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Jesus did, indeed come to bring good news and great joy for all people, but that good news which brings great joy is tied inexorably to Jesus.
The Good News is that Jesus, our savior, has come. The great joy is in our salvation. That salvation is available for all people, yet only received by faith in Jesus.
For those who do not believe, the joy they feel on Christmas morning for time with family, gifts, and “the wonder of Christmas” will one day, sadly, turn to sorrow. For, in the midst of all the gifts of iPads, PlayStations, and toys, they missed the best gift of all, the gift of Jesus and His salvation.
Good News and Great Joy
I pray you do have great joy this Christmas and I pray it’s found in the Good News of Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection brings our salvation. I also pray that this year, many who haven’t believed in Jesus in the past will discover the true “wonder of Christmas” this year, a babe lying in a manger who is the salvation of all mankind for all who believe.
Dear Jesus,
As we celebrate Christmas, tomorrow, fill my heart with the Joy of my salvation found only in You. Give me faith to believe. Please also be with those throughout the world who do not believe. Cause Your Gospel to be shared, the Good News of Your Salvation and work in their hearts to create faith that they may know true Joy which will never fade.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
Copyright 2022, Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel. All Rights Reserved.