Who knows why we have angel decorations at Christmas?
It’s to remind us of the angel that appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. Listen to what the Bible says in Luke’s Gospel, (Chapter 2: 1-20).
In the countryside close by there were shepherds out in the fields keeping guard over their sheep during the watches of the night. An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone all around them. They were terrified, but the angel said, “Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord. Here’s a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And all at once, there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words:
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours.’
Now it happened that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about Him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as had been told.
Just imagine for a moment that you were one of the shepherds. How do you think you would you have felt — excited, scared, overwhelmed, joyful, amazed?
In the society of that time, shepherds were regarded as very poor people, often looked down upon by others. They were also living at a difficult time in their own country, under Roman rule. Yet God chose to make His most important announcement to these humble men.
Let’s listen to what the shepherds said once again:
“Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about Him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them.
What’s the most fantastic piece of news that you ever received? Think back, and remember the way you felt when you received it.
All over the world there are people waiting to hear good news. Thankfully, because of the love of Jesus Christ, many will be getting good news this Christmas. It may be through any one of the many charities, perhaps one that you are involved with like the Shoebox Appeal. Just imagine the faces on the child who will open the shoebox that you packed this year. The look on their face will say it all. If you could see that look for yourself then you would know how worthwhile your efforts were. Every time someone’s life is made a little better, whether it’s digging wells, building hospitals or schools, or any one of the myriad projects that are currently in hand, then when the act of kindness is done in Christ’s name, it spreads His love a little further.
Once again this Christmas, thanks to the charities who are dedicated to helping the homeless, the good news will take the form of a hot meal and a lot of Christian love. Perhaps there will be many who call into a Gospel Mission Hall and receive not only food to sustain their bodies, but also food for their souls. They, like millions of others, will hear the good news that Jesus Christ came to share with the world.
Whoever the recipients of the good news are, wherever they live, what they will be experiencing is the peace and joy that the angel promised to those shepherds so long ago.
It’s to remind us of the angel that appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. Listen to what the Bible says in Luke’s Gospel, (Chapter 2: 1-20).
In the countryside close by there were shepherds out in the fields keeping guard over their sheep during the watches of the night. An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone all around them. They were terrified, but the angel said, “Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord. Here’s a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And all at once, there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words:
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours.’
Now it happened that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about Him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as had been told.
Just imagine for a moment that you were one of the shepherds. How do you think you would you have felt — excited, scared, overwhelmed, joyful, amazed?
In the society of that time, shepherds were regarded as very poor people, often looked down upon by others. They were also living at a difficult time in their own country, under Roman rule. Yet God chose to make His most important announcement to these humble men.
Let’s listen to what the shepherds said once again:
“Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about Him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them.
What’s the most fantastic piece of news that you ever received? Think back, and remember the way you felt when you received it.
All over the world there are people waiting to hear good news. Thankfully, because of the love of Jesus Christ, many will be getting good news this Christmas. It may be through any one of the many charities, perhaps one that you are involved with like the Shoebox Appeal. Just imagine the faces on the child who will open the shoebox that you packed this year. The look on their face will say it all. If you could see that look for yourself then you would know how worthwhile your efforts were. Every time someone’s life is made a little better, whether it’s digging wells, building hospitals or schools, or any one of the myriad projects that are currently in hand, then when the act of kindness is done in Christ’s name, it spreads His love a little further.
Once again this Christmas, thanks to the charities who are dedicated to helping the homeless, the good news will take the form of a hot meal and a lot of Christian love. Perhaps there will be many who call into a Gospel Mission Hall and receive not only food to sustain their bodies, but also food for their souls. They, like millions of others, will hear the good news that Jesus Christ came to share with the world.
Whoever the recipients of the good news are, wherever they live, what they will be experiencing is the peace and joy that the angel promised to those shepherds so long ago.
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