Luke 2:8–20 could be one of the most iconic rural passages in the whole Bible, right on theme for Bush Church Aid (I encourage you to read it!). It is also one of my all-time favourites, you have drama, suspense, the idyllic countryside, farm animals, the supernatural and as it happens the greatest good news story of all time.  

Imagine it, a group of shepherds having gone about their day are now relaxing on the hills while their sheep settle down for the night, perhaps they are toasting dinner over the fire, sharing funny shepherd stories from their adventures, when all of a sudden the whole sky lights up.  

Back in the day, this was not the kind of thing you could mistake for city lights, or even the headlights of a truck passing by, given such things did not exist.  

Then, whilst you are looking up to the sky, most likely trembling in your sandals, the first thing the heavenly creature (angel) you have never seen before says is “Do not be afraid”. I am sure the angel had to say this, because they were in fact very much afraid.  

The reason however that they were commanded not to be afraid, was because of the news they bore. The greatest news that has ever been told, news that was not just for them, but for the whole world, for all people, across all of time.  

 A message from heaven declaring peace over fear, because the Saviour, the Messiah, the Promised one, the Lord, the King has been born to you. It’s a funny little phrase born to you, one we hear every year over the advent season.  

 Born to you, the King of heaven born as a baby, to dwell with us, to walk the earth, to bring the news of the favour of God and His peace. His friendship and salvation. To remind us that we are not alone, that things that might bring fear, in his presence are gone. He is the answer to every problem, the salvation to our greatest needs, the light in the darkness and the hope when all seems lost.  

 He brings the message that God is not far off, but near. There is no better news. Such great news that the angels lit up the sky singing, the shepherds made their way to Bethlehem to meet him and to begin telling the story we still tell today. Jesus came to be with us, he loves us and we can be his friend for all eternity because of what he has done for us. The God of the Bible truly loves us and the greatest gift we can ever receive is to be His friend.  

 We hope you enjoy celebrating this Christmas Season and remember the story of hope threaded through all the Christmas Stories. Jesus came to be with us, Immanuel. 

📷: Kenny Eliason on Unsplash