Well, doesn't everyone need some good news? (Luke 2:1-20)
There's nothing like 'good news!'
When I read the message off of our website a couple of weeks ago, it could have sent me 'flying through Christmas'.
I received a message from Gladys, one of the folks that dealt with the sponsorship of a Syrian family for the former Seaway Valley Presbytery. She told us how both Faiez (dad) and Frial (mom) are managing their family and careers. Faiez has started his own business; Frial is a mix of homemaker, part-time worker in a seniors' facility, and some volunteer work. Their children are doing great. What a turnabout for a family that was physically running away from a burning Syria.
The people in Jesus' day hadn't seen any good news in a long time. They lived in such a stranglehold between their government and religion, a deep depression hung over the known world. For years they heard a messiah was coming, but when, and what really should you believe?
Finally, the time was right - just like it was for Frial and Faiez. For Mary and Joseph, the timing wasn't good; a stable with animals wasn't any place to birth a baby.
God's communications to announce a Saviour was a bright light in the sky and a revelation to people working overnight in a field - shepherds. They were the ones to follow the star and make sure that this child would be safe and warm and therefore, loved.
It's been tough living through COVID-19, but we have to admit that in these somewhat dark times, a little good news goes a long way. Read this good news, again and again, to remind ourselves that Christ's birth was and is the good news of great joy for all the people.
Have a wonderful Christmas. May the Christ-child be made present in your hearts this season.