Christmas- the Birth of Christ- Luke 2:10

As we pause to meditate on the meaning of the Christmas celebration, let us consider the announcement of the angel to the shepherds. Luke 2:10 (KJV) 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” translates two Greek words which could also be translated as “I proclaim the gospel to you.” 

So the announcement of Christ’s Birth is a proclamation of the Gospel. His Nativity is an integral part of the whole story,  of the entire Christian message. His birth cannot be isolated from all that Christ means. This good news is “of great joy.” Despite all the humility and suffering that will be part of the story, it brings a deep and lasting happiness, an inner blessedness. And this joy is open to all people. The lowly shepherds are merely the first chosen to hear. They are humble representatives of all God’s people.

Christmas still brings us this message. Our Savior comes into the world through His Word and Sacraments. This is really good news- tidings of great joy. This joy should not be confused with external worldly happiness or festivities. Christmas goes beyond the externals; it is about a deep joy based on faith in God’s grace and mercy. Rejoice in the Lord always!

Advent 2 (year C)- Luke 3:1-20

The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent is from Luke 3:1-20, the introduction to the ministry of John the Baptist. John warned the people of first-century Palestine to get ready for the coming of the Lord. He did not stress his own importance but pointed to the Messiah. As he pointed to the future redemption, John stressed two main themes: preparation and repentance.

During Advent, we do anticipate the joyful celebration of the Messiah's birth. However, we must not rush the celebration. Before we can properly appreciate the celebration, we must prepare a way for the Lord to come into our lives. And since we are all fallen and sinful creatures, an essential part of our preparation is repentance. We must turn both from our general corruption and from our particular failings. This is true during Advent and every day of our earthly lives. Only by this awareness can we appreciate the great joy that the birth of the Savior brings. In other words, human beings need to hear the rebuke of divine Law if they are to grasp the good tidings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.