As Christians we are clear about the meaning of celebrating Christmas. Christmas is about remembering the birth of Jesus. Hence, in church we must mention and announce the fact of the birth of Jesus: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:8-14).
The birth of a Saviour! This is such good news for the entire world, especially so for Israelites who had been oppressed by the Roman empire. The angels who announced this good news, however, did not do it in a densely populated city. Instead, they chose the wilderness where shepherds fed their sheep. The angels’ audience were neither key Jewish leaders nor Israelite commoners, but shepherds who were despised by people. Even more beyond understanding is that this Saviour did not appear in the form of a great general. Neither was he born as a prince in the palace. Rather, he was born as a helpless baby in a manger. The birth of the Lord Jesus and the way the angels announced the news may seem too toned down for some. Indeed, the Lord Jesus is the true God of the highest order. Yet he chose to be born in such a way: he humbled himself and was born as a helpless baby, laying down in a lowly manger. He was so humble so much so that even the lowly shepherds could approach him. The lowly birth of the Lord Jesus indicates that God in the highest heaven has pity on us sinners, so much so that he humbled himself to such a lowly extent. He came to experience the sufferings, poverty, helplessness, and death of humankind. This Saviour who loves us, he understands us completely our struggles, fear, and weaknesses, because he also had walked this lowly and weakness-filled path. The difference between Jesus and us is that he did not sin. For this reason, when Jesus died on the cross, he became our best representative. He truly had the credentials to represent humankind, to carry the burden of human sins and to take our punishment due to sin. The Lord Jesus took the punishment from God in our place. He could also represent us in conquering death. Everyone who depends on him/have faith in him is able to break free from the bondage to sin and enjoy an all new life, a life of resurrection.
After the shepherds saw the Lord Jesus, they spread the news, and thanked and praised God for his acts. I believe that to experience a meaningful Christmas requires us to do likewise. We really must learn from the shepherds to spread forth the good news of the birth of Jesus that he came to save the world. The church will remember Christmas on Sunday, 23rd December. I encourage brothers and sisters-in-Christ to come and thank and praise the Lord. Do not just come alone. Bring a friend. When your relative asks you about the plans you have for Christmas, you can then take the opportunity to invite them to church.