Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the New King James Version (NKJV).
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” God loves us so much He sends His son to love and save and free us. A band of angels come to share the blessing with people who might not otherwise get the word.
God wants all the world to know He is with us. However, like the shepherds, once we have heard the Good News it becomes our job and our joy to spread it to everyone, everywhere. He calls us to be part of His plan of salvation by passing the Word to all our brothers and sisters that they might be saved.
God is at work in our world through us today and every day. We are charged with nothing less than being representatives of His kingdom. Listen for His guidance, look for the opportunities He provides and share the blessing you have received.
Loving Lord, we are amazed that You choose to be part of our lives, present with us to show us Your way. May we live for You, proclaiming the wonder of Your goodness and the joy of our connection. Amen.