Luke 2: 10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…
In a study of the religious observances around the world, one cannot discount that the celebration of Christmas ranks high on the list if not at the top of it. It seems to be the only festival, and the Christian one, which is celebrated by so many across religious, ethnic, racial and other boundaries.
Easter remains the queen of seasons in the Christian church’s liturgical calendar. The resurrection, observed through the celebration of Easter, therefore remains the foundation of the Christian faith. Indeed, Paul reminds his readers that if Christ has not been raised then the Christian faith and what it preaches is in vain (1 Corinthians 15: 14).
However important Easter is, Christmas still trumps it and all others, when measured according to popularity. We can ask why is this so?. Why is it that more persons have come to gravitate towards the Christmas celebration as against any other celebration in the year?
To take it further, one realises that there is much brouhaha in some countries over the cancellation or minimisation of the Christmas celebration for a second year running. We have not heard such brouhaha in relation to the celebration of Easter. It does say something of the importance of Christmas to many.
The truth is that Christmas is very much a time for great rejoicing. Could it be that this is because of the birth of a baby, which inevitably always brings joy? Or is there something more about the story which causes many to celebrate? Could it be that most persons can look forward to receiving a gift of some kind which has seemingly become the order of the day? Is it the revelry? The partying?
There are intentional as well as unintentional efforts to drown out the message of the Good News of Jesus’ birth. Some persons have grown agnostic and are not far from being atheistic. Some have grown careless and loose in their life. Others have reached a point of fatalism and do not care what happens to them or around them. Hopelessness and anomie have set in. The bleak outlook on humanity caused by Covid – 19 and global are issues that threaten inner solidarity and peace.
The message of the angels to the shepherds about the Good News is a shout that should be ringing out this and every Christmas. The Good News which they brought to humanity is something which transcends time and situations. The Good News of the birth of Jesus Christ is something that has been shouted out through all ages and will never cease. It is the news that salvation has come to the world.
One person remarked that, “Even though many people celebrate Christmas in a secular sense by focusing on purchasing the most expensive gifts, glorifying Santa Claus, or other traditions, Christians can help others know the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is not about toys, gifts, or elaborate parties.” Indeed the message of the Good News of Jesus’ birth is not rooted in the material and other related trappings of the season. It is rooted in the wonderful message that Jesus Christ has come into our reality to walk with us and lift us to the life to which He has called us.
The world around us is still waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and the hope which He brings to all. In the midst of doubts, anxieties and fears, the Saviour’s message is still one of comfort for tired and weary souls. It is a balm for burdened souls and it remains a source of strength for those who have grown weak or are losing their faith in life.
The Good News which the angels brought was and is about God’s love, justice, compassion and mercy which found tangible expression in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. This Jesus showed humanity that amidst the fragments of brokenness, pain and hopelessness, there was still hope – all was not lost. Jesus reminds us that “…He has come that we may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10: 10b).
Oh how the words ring true that “Jesus come today for a poor person like me…for Jesus comes one; He comes for all.” This is the Good News. Christ has come dear friend, and no matter where you are, what you have done, and whatever you’re going through, Christ loves you beyond measure, and that is why He came.
I do believe that now, more than ever, there is a dire need for those who have received the Good News to share it with those who have not yet heard or accepted it. It is incumbent on the Christian to share this Good News with others, just as the angels did over two thousand years ago. Christians are crucial to the message of the Good News of Christmas. We are an important cog in sharing the true message of what this season is about: the love of a God who became one of us to lead us to become like Him.
This Christmas, we have the privilege of bringing hope and peace to those around us, so let us learn from the example and witness of the angels and be bearers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Share this Good News! Share this Love! Share this Jesus!
I am wishing you and your loved ones a very joyous and peaceful Christmas, and may the God who sustained you in the past continue to grant you grace and blessing in the New Year.
– Canon Reid Simon
Anglican Church
Anguilla
