Luke 2:8-14 – “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”   NKJV

The Christmas story as it is often called is one that never grows old to those of us who have experienced the Greatest Gift of All Time – Salvation!   God’s incredible love that allowed this to become reality is more than amazing as is His grace.  On that eventful day there was born the Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Remembering this event on any day is worthy and since this is the day set aside to recognize that event I celebrate Christmas and wish you a Merry Christmas and truly pray for “Peace on Earth and good will toward men!”

I can only imagine how the shepherds felt when this awesome event began to transpire and the angel of the Lord appeared before them with the spectacular events in the heavens.  I have no doubt that the biblical characterization, “…and they were greatly afraid” is an incredible understatement.  I would imagine they were petrified and then I can only imagine the sense inside as they heard the words of the angel assuring them they had nothing to fear and revealing what was happening.  I would love to have heard the heavenly host burst forth in their praise.  What an awesome sight and sound that must have been.

In today’s world we often become so busy with our busyness that we sometimes forget to pause and reflect on what it is all really about and who it is really about.  It is about Him but it is also about mankind the object of God’s incredible love.  In today’s world we see anything but peace on earth and goodwill toward men.  We see our communities, nation and world being torn apart with strife and hatred that has been birthed from the pits of hell and often proclaimed as being somehow righteous or justified.  It is neither it is evil to its core and as we celebrate Christmas may we allow the Holy Spirit to infuse in our hearts a lasting desire to have ‘peace and goodwill’ among the human family.  I do not suggest that we abdicate or abandon our faith and convictions but that we demonstrate the Love of God in a deeper and more consistent manner.

It is my deep desire that this day of celebration be wonderful for you and those you treasure.  I pray that God grant you peace, health and a measure of prosperity that enables you to do the things in your heart for the kingdom, family and others.  May you know you are blessed for you are in the Savior who was born in the city of David, Christ the Lord!

            MERRY CHRISTMAS!