A TIME FOR CELEBRATION

The most earth-shaking news came to a group of terrified shepherds just outside the small town of Bethlehem. It came in the dead of night while almost everyone was sleeping. There was no news alert on television and no headlines in newspapers. But this was God’s good news, announcing the coming of a Savior. It was the best news ever.

During this month in churches and in chapels, on radio and television, and even by way of Christmas carols in shops and malls, that good news will be repeated for all who listen.

But even as we listen, we may ask ourselves, “Has the announcement of the angels so long ago really changed anything? Are things any better today because of the coming of Jesus?” The year that’s almost past was filled with so much bad news. Massive disasters in Haiti, Ecuador, Chile, China, and Turkey claimed thousands of lives and left millions of people homeless. The AIDS epidemic continues to rage in some countries, while elsewhere suicide bombers keep taking innocent lives.

But the message stands: “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.” The Savior has come to set things right by ushering in the kingdom of light. As you celebrate his coming, remember that someday this Savior will come again to make all things fully new!

Prayer

Father in heaven, help us to celebrate the birth of our Savior and to anticipate the day of his glorious return. Amen.

Arthur J. Schoonveld