The tragic news of the San Bernardino terrorist attack was just more bad news. There’s plenty of domestic and international bad news to go around. The world has more than enough trouble, trouble in our cities, Washington trouble, financial trouble, health care trouble and relational trouble. As Bob Dylan once said “there’s trouble, nothing but trouble.”
It was into a world of trouble when God interrupted a lowly group of shepherds thousands of years ago.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10
With all the bad news is there any good news?
Where is the good news of Christmas anyway? It’s been diluted and hijacked by merchants and marketers and watered down by the media. It’s as if much of the world has taken Jesus out of Christmas by Santa, jingle bells and Holiday magic. Jesus is missing in the news; He’s kind of glossed over or absent in many of the programs, Christmas songs and cards, nice sayings, decorations and debt.
But Christmas is a story of contrasts. To God and millions of others the good news is that,
“today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11
This the greatest news the world could ever hear in a world of bad news! As Luke says this good news is for the ‘all the people.’ You see God intended it for all, but it only makes sense and is only accessible for those who realize they need this good news.
God got the attention of the shepherds who were blown away when the night’s sky lit up when the ‘glory of the Lord shone around them.’ Why did God show His glory to the shepherds? How did they rate? Because they did with God, He chose them.
It had nothing to do with who they were
The shepherds were the bottom rung of Jesus’ day. They were those you didn’t want your daughter to marry. They had no position or reputation and didn’t even own the sheep. Don’t you love it? God came to those who others sized up as insignificant, but not God!
Maybe we are not aware of it, but we’re the shepherds. Yes, you and I.
Years later, the Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians about God’s utterly amazing grace that was given freely to those who responded to God’s call.
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth…He chose the lowly things of this world to confound the wise. I Corinthians 1:26, 28
Luke tells us that, a great company of angels appeared with the angel praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14
From a Jewish perspective to be in ‘God’s favor’ was to be one of His chosen. But this was not automatic for all, but only for those who responded to God’s grace. Jesus came for all, but not all will benefit from His coming.
This amazing good news proclaimed in such an unforgettable, breathtaking and dramatic way completely blew the shepherd’s minds. It radically interrupted the shepherd’s daily routine. It was a ‘holy interruption.’
Are you ready to be interrupted in your daily routine?
Will your heart’s posture recognize a God interruption during this busy Christmas season? God has a way of getting our attention. What does it take for God to get your attention? Is it fear, is it an illness, a broken heart or dream, the loss of a loved one?
Notice that part of the angels ‘song was, “on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Oh, how desperately we need peace in our world, but peace begins in the human heart.
Even as Jesus told His disciples, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
The peace of God comes only to those ‘on whom His favor rests.’
God’s favor, His extravagant undeserved grace comes to those who are ready to receive it and allow it to change their lives. When the Christ that was born in the manger is born in our hearts we will then truly experience His satisfying peace and favor.
The babe in the manger grew up to suffer and willingly give His life to show His incredible love to you! He came to have a relationship with you. Take the Christ out of the manger and allow Him to take up His rightful place in your heart. When you do He’ll wrap His arms around you and let you know how much he loves YOU!
Now, go out and share the ‘good news’ to a world that really needs it!
Merry Christmas and May You Experience His Shalom This Season,
Mark
