Across our churches, the expectation is palpable in the shining eyes of children at Advent events. Christmas is coming and there is so much to look forward to…
Our expectations of family Christmases can sometimes be too great. But our expectations of Christ are often too small or hopelessly distorted. The angels’ message raises the expectations of the shepherds and reminds us of what our expectations can be:
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 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 favour rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2.10-15
The angels tell us what Christmas is all about and their message tells of joy, not just for children, but for everyone. A Saviour to rescue the world from greed, from war, from hunger, from debt, from addiction, from illness, from death. And the sign of this great rescue is not a powerful or wealthy benefactor but a baby lying in a cattle trough. So let us celebrate with the angels because the baby did not stay in the manger but lived and died to make the angels promise come true. This great hope is on the way to fulfilment and we can be part of bringing glory to God and peace on earth.
Father, help us to hear in our hearts the song of the angels and may our expectation of the joy which God has prepared for us all spill over into our every day. Amen