December 24, 2017、 Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas! We say “Merry Christmas,” but when the Christmas Angel first appeared to the shepherds, the shepherds were terrified! It had been a peaceful night, watching their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem. Suddenly there was a huge big bright light. It was the Angel of the Lord that appeared to them. Sometimes we think of angels as been sweet little cherubs with wings, or an adult dressed in pure white. But I think the Christmas Angel was different. The Angel was on an official mission, and so dressed in the finest uniform with silver and gold and great dignity. Perhaps like a military dress uniform. If it looked like a fierce Roman soldier, then the shepherds might have a reason to fear. If I were one of the shepherds there, I would probably want to make myself small and hide behind the largest sheep, holding my shepherd staff like a shield.

The Angel had to relieve their fear by proclaiming the Good News. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

To help them believe this Good News, the Angel gave a sign. “12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

And then another sign, which probably finally convinced them. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” I

f I were one of the shepherds there, I would probably be eager to go into the town of Bethlehem and start searching for the child. And now, about 2017 years later, I would still want to search for the child. But Jesus is no longer a babe in a manger in Bethlehem. But I know where to find him! I do not have to go far because Jesus comes to me. That is the Good News message of Christmas in 2017. It is that Christ comes to us. Through the Word of the Bible, the Angel speaks to us today, telling us that the Savior has been born. He is not a military or political savior, but the Savior that forgives our sins. He took the punishment of our sin upon himself when he died as a sacrifice on the cross. When he arose from the dead on the third day, on Easter, he saved us from hell and death. And that means eternal life and salvation. That is why his birth is so precious to us. His birth is the beginning of salvation. Therefore the Angel said it was a message of great joy for all people. It gives us hope and joy and peace. That faith is the true peace of Christmas, and it gives all glory and praise to God the Father Almighty. That is the angels’ song, it is our song, too. 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Amen.

Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church

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