Rejoice in God’s Gift
Luke 2:8-20 34-38
Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn’t have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don’t know what Christmas is all about. [shouting in desperation] Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. [Linus quotes Luke 2:8-14.]
(“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 1965)
The parties are over. The gifts are unwrapped and the anticipation is gone. Lines will form tomorrow for the annual Christmas returns. “Ho, ho, ho” has turned to “Ho boy, how am I going to pay these credit card charges?” The post-Christmas blues will lead many to shout in desperation “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
Christmas is not about the songs, the gifts, the tree or the mall. It is God becoming human, being born a baby, living a perfect life, and dying so we could live in perfect relationship with Him.
The angel’s announcement should fill us with hope and peace as we hear how God’s plan for our future unfolded in Christ’s birth. The miracle of Christmas is the joy we experience knowing God is with us!
The joy the shepherds encountered with the angels’ visit led them to seek the Christ child (vv. 15-17). When they found Him, they shared the good news of the angelic pronouncement with everyone they met. And everyone marveled at the news (v. 18).
With whom will you share the news of Christ’s birth? In just mere days or even hours, so many people will realize that their new iPad 2, smart TV, or Kindle Fire did not satisfy the longing in their souls. They are quietly shouting in desperation. Will you go to them and tell them the true meaning of Christmas? Think of two people you know who need to hear the “good news of great joy” (v. 10) and go tell them today.
Then examine your personal response to the news of the birth of Jesus. Do you really treasure it like Mary and the shepherds (vv. 18-20)? If so, then those post-Christmas blues will dissipate as you continue to celebrate Christ’s presence in your life.
Treasure His birth and presence, let the joy send you to others, and tell someone the good news of great joy!
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, former director of missions for Savannah River Association.