As we celebrate the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, this week, it’s interesting to notice that in the Christmas narrative we find that that angel who addressed the shepherd announced the birth of God’s son by saying, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The phrase “for all the people” is a very important phrase.
Jesus is for all the people; even the poor. The Shepherds who were out in the fields watching their flocks had a personal invitation to the main event of earth’s entire history. Jesus is for all the people; even the rich! Matthew tells us about the rich magi who come from the east bearing their gift-wrapped packages of the most precious commodities available; Gold, frankincense and myrrh. The point I want to make this morning is how few people, rich and poor, are involved in the Christmas Story. Only 3 rich, and we don’t know how many poor, but there weren’t very many. In light of the proclamation that Jesus is the savior for “All the people” it’s interesting that there weren’t more mentioned in the story.
I’m afraid that it foreshadows the reality of Christmases that will follow. I’m afraid that most people miss the main event. One preacher explained it this way: Have you ever had anyone give you directions and then add the words, “you can’t miss it!”? How many of us have heard this only to completely miss it? It is possible to miss something, even with it right in front of you! Did you know most people miss Christmas every year? That may sound like a ridiculous statement, particularly in America, where holiday advertisements deluge us focusing on December 25th. Yet arguably many people who participate in Christmas celebrations are oblivious to the true reality of what it is they are celebrating. They participate in many activities, but they miss the main event: Jesus Christ.
Chuck
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10