By Paul Baxley, Executive Coordinator at CBF
“I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
These words of the angel are the very heart of the Christmas message. How can we hear it best on this Christmas Day?
We should absolutely marvel at the global reach of this pronouncement. The birth of is for all people. That’s why we sing, “joy to the world, the Lord is come!” The birth of Jesus is not for any one nation or language. Jesus is born because God so loves the world. The reach of God’s grace shatters all boundaries. This is why our Fellowship still seeks to join Christ’s mission across the world. It is why we welcome strangers and serve people from all over the world in our communities. As people remade by Christmas, we announce good news for all people.
Linger over the words of the Christmas angel. They are marvelouslyglobal. They are also stunningly personal. It is good news of great joy for you. To you is born a Savior. Wherever you are today, whatever the condition of your faith, whatever your deepest struggle, in whichever way you need saving grace most, the birth of Jesus as the boldest statement of God’s love, is for you.
Good news of great joy for all of us and for each of us. That’s the gospel for Christmas Day and always.
Reflect
How does the global impact of Christ’s birth push the boundaries of your love and care?
Where do you most need the good news of great joy this Christmas?