"Light(s) Please"

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
Luke 2:8-14 (King James Version)

My favorite Christmas program, bar none, is "A Charlie Brown Christmas", especially the scene where Linus walks out onto the stage and says "Lights Please". Every time I read the passage about the birth of Jesus, I hear Linus' voice in my head has he explains to Charlie Brown what Christmas is really all about.

After all the Christmas messages we've heard or read, what is there left to say about Christmas that hasn't already been said. Jesus is the greatest Gift. He is the reason for the season. He is Emmanuel, God with us.

What strikes me this year however, is something the angel said to the shepherds. They were told about 'tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people'. In the NIV it says 'good news of great joy that will be for all people' (italics & bold mine).

Is Jesus, God with us, actually good news for all people? - absolutely.

Do all people know that to be true? - No, sadly they don't.

Way too many people only know poverty, oppression, disease, cruelty and fear.

It was an angel who made the initial proclamation of God's unfathomable promise made with the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, but it is up to us to bear witness to the fulfillment of that promise in the person of Jesus Christ.

As I get ready to celebrate the joy of Christmas with my family and loved ones, I must pause to consider those around the world who live without joy, without dignity, and without hope.

When Christmas comes around next year I want to bake, buy and wrap with more joy because of what I will do in the next 12 months to make sure that more people have reason to celebrate what Christmas really is all about.

Light(s) please...