Pastor's Column 12/25/2022

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manager.” Luke 2:9-12, NLT

Nativity Sunday: “There Is Good News!”

The majority of news we often hear each day is discouraging. One media observer reported that 90% of all media news is negative; and over 50% of the negative news is driven by Nielsen ratings. This is a sad, but true, commentary on how basic goodness and truth have diminished in our world. The Advent season however, moves toward its climax, by reminding us that in a chaotic and negative world, some “good news” can emerge. The Birth of Christ, our Messiah, is a story of miraculous happenings, wedged between some very challenging events. There is the arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem; from a town of dubious reputation; only to end up in a tiny village. There is the rejection of the Inn Keeper, in Bethlehem, when Mary and Joseph sought a suitable place for baby Jesus to be born. The relentless pursuit and violent threats by King Herod. But into this mix, as we would say in today’s parlance, a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord. The message of good news does not come from a major news source; but through the humble shepherds in a field nearby, keeping watch over their flock. Tending the flock at night, suggests their breed was likely presented for worship, four miles away in Jerusalem at the Temple. Upon the angel’s revelation, the shepherds became the first to witness and share Christ’s birth. Fear diminished; bold faith led them to good news!