The Gospel of Luke 2:1-20
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Let us Pray: Tonight, we proclaim the hope that inspires us to keep moving forward on our journeys. We recognize the peace that extends from our souls into the world. We celebrate the joy that fills our spirits with excitement. And we herald the love passed between the Christ and us and between our neighbors and us. As the Christ Candle is lit, we celebrate the compassion which will overcome hatred and the kindness which will overcome isolation. May the light seen tonight fill our souls throughout the new year and beyond, enlivening our spirits throughout eternity. Amen.
The Christmas story is perhaps the most widely known story in history. As a result, many people shrug it off as not being especially exciting or relevant to the problems they are facing. In today’s world many people do not realize where they are in regarding their standing before God and their eternal destiny. So, when they hear the familiar story that a Savior who has been born in the city of Bethlehem, they fail to appreciate the fact that this story is the best news in all of history. For unto us a child is born, not born to the privileged few but born for everyone, the poor, the forgotten, the hungry and destitute. A child that changed history.
Jesus’ birth in a manger highlights the theme of humility. Despite being the King of Kings, He was born in the humblest of circumstances. This reflects the idea that greatness isn’t necessarily found in wealth or status, but in simplicity, humility, and love.
The shepherds were among the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. They were ordinary people, often looked down upon in society. Yet, they were chosen to receive the angelic announcement, emphasizing that God’s message is for everyone, regardless of their social standing. Their immediate response to visit Jesus underscores the importance of faith and readiness to act upon hearing God’s word. The angels’ proclamation of “peace on earth” to the shepherds is a message of hope and reconciliation. This peace isn’t merely the absence of conflict, but a deeper, spiritual peace that comes from knowing God and being in right relationship with Him. allows us to know that there is always Hope no matter how difficult things appear. It not only reminds us to prepare for celebrating Jesus’ birth not consider the story of Jesus birth repetitive and not at all helpful to me. So, when he angel said to the Shepherds, “Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Those words continue to be so important today. A savior was born that would change the world, change lives to this day. CHANGE OUR LIVES. This is the second time recently we have heard the words “Do not be afraid” The Angel Gabriel told Mary not to be afraid and an angel tells the shepherds to not be afraid. We need to listen to the angel, it may not come to us directly, but the voices of the angel and the voices of the Lord tell us not to be afraid. Again, as I write, these words continue to resonate. Here we are faced with a world at war, border crisis and devastating gun violence, then we hear the words again on Christmas Eve, do not be afraid. The shepherds, even though they were frightened, overcame their fears, and listened to the angel and went to see the miracle that prompted the angelic host of angels to appear to them. We may not have a host of angels comfort us, but we have our Lord and Savior Jesus who will be with us and help us overcome our fears. We need to be like the shepherds and listen and seek out the one who is proclaimed by the angels this Christmas.
Let us Pray: Great God of love and light, we thank you now for the light of that special star over two thousand years ago that guided humble shepherds and learned wise men to the holy babe. Lead us now, by the light of your love, that we also may follow you to the new life in him. In celebration of the birthday of our King and our Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 