FRANTIC, FRENZIED FESTIVITY OR FOCUSED FAITH IN CHRIST?

Luke 2:8 says, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” I can identify with the shepherds. They were ordinary, unclean, forgotten, and not highly respected. As a mom, it is easy to feel all of these things on certain days! God coming to the shepherds reminds us that He takes note of all people in all stages and stations. It also reminds us that God comes to us in the ordinary routine of life. The shepherds were not at the temple looking clean and holy when the angel appeared to them; they were in the middle of a routine night of doing their normal, unglamorous job. 

So much of Christmas is about perspective. We all have jobs to do, and responsibilities to fulfill, but will we look for God to speak to us, or will we miss Him altogether? The shepherds did not miss the angel, they were overwhelmed, terrified. Now I don’t know about you, but if an angel showed up in my foyer on a routine day, I also would be terrified.  Oh, how we have lost the need for Godly awe, fear, and reverence in our society. When was the last time we were in awe of God’s glory shining around us? 

Next, I believe we must daily choose faith rather than fear/anxiety/worry about details or circumstances. Christmas has become one of the most anxiety-ridden times of the year for believers and that is just crazy! We need to learn from the words the angel spoke to the shepherds to calm their fears, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” You see, we have forgotten what Christmas is to be for us each day! It is good news! It is great joy! It is a Savior born to you and me! It is Christ our Lord! He is the one that comes daily to us in the midst of crying children, chaos, trying teenagers, or an empty nest and says, "Don’t be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy…” 

This is more than a familiar story. Don’t let the news or the passage become old news to you. The words are still fresh and meaningful: He comes with good news for all; not just those in the spotlight. God did not send a soldier, a judge or a reformer, He sent a Savior to meet our greatest need… Our need to be forgiven. He is so aware of how we feel, He is so personal. He is given “to you” as your Savior in every stage and circumstance of life. What has Christmas become for you? Is it a time of frantic, frenzied festivity that leaves a fussy family in its wake? Or is it a focused time of faith in Jesus?

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