In our Christmas festivities, let us pause to meditate on the meaning of our celebration. To do that, let us focus on the announcement of the angel to the shepherds. St. Luke 2:10 says, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
The angel’s message “I bring you good tidings” is a translation of two Greek words which could also be translated as “I announce good news to you” or “I proclaim the gospel to you.” So the announcement of Christ’s Birth is the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel. His Nativity is an integral part of the whole story, the entire Christian message. This joy or inner happiness of this birth cannot be isolated from all that Christ means.
Christmas continues to bring us a similar message. The deliverer or redeemer that we have longed for still comes through the work of the Holy Spirit in Word and Sacrament. This is really good news- tidings of great joy. However, the joy is not to be confused with external worldly happiness. Whether we have a great external celebration with lots of people, gifts, and food or we just have a simple and small observance, let us focus on what God does- how He sends His Son, the eternal Word, to become flesh and dwell among us to save us. Thanks be to God for His greatest gift- Jesus!
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