Believing Good News!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
-Luke 2:8-14

The people in the Christmas story all heard good news from angelic messengers: Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Hearing good news and BELIEVING good news are two separate things. Good news depends on perspective, circumstance, and trust. Zechariah had trouble believing that his wife would have a baby… he needed to trust God a little more. Mary had questions about “how” it could be that she would bear the son of God, but she believed that it would happen. Joseph trusted the word of the angel and willingly took Mary home as his wife. Joseph believed the good news and gave him the name Jesus.
The shepherds could have ignored their angelic messengers. It was an amazing sight to see the night sky lit up in the glory of the Lord shining round them. Thankfully the shepherds believed the good news of the angels. Their terror turned into JOY once they saw the “Savior born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Sometimes seeing is believing!

The shepherds didn’t just keep this good news to themselves. They told everyone they met about all the things they had heard and seen. This is the theme of our Advent Sermon Series this year, “Come and See, Go and Tell!” When we have ears to hear the good news of God, an open heart to believe and trust the good news, and courageous voices to go and tell others about all the things we have heard and seen, this is how we share our faith!

Thank you for sharing your stories of Christmas. If you haven’t picked up our Advent Devotional, please call the church office. We have a copy for you!

Pastor Hanna’s health update: Last week I was unable to have my gall bladder surgery. It seems that someone else was in more critical need of the surgeon’s skill. I am rescheduled for this Friday, December 12th, to have my gallbladder removed. Thank you for all the prayers and encouraging words. I feel the love and support of you all during this busy time.

Pray: O Giver of life, you turn mourning into dancing. You surprise us with beauty in unlikely places. Forgive us for our selfish hearts. Forgive us for not seeing the beauty and joy all around us. Joy is your gift and an invitation to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, to give thanks in all things. May we carry this joy like a lantern, shining steadily through the waiting. Amen.