Tidings of Great Joy: A Christmas Eve Meditation on Luke 1-2

And it came to pass in those days, 

that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus

 that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, 

into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; 

(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, 

the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, 

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; 

because there was no room for them in the inn.

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.

Good tidings of great joy, is what the holy angels brought to the shepherds that first Christmas Eve, now nearly two millennia ago.  It was a message from the very throne room of Almighty God, King of the Universe, declared not by one great Archangel alone, but sung together in chorus with a countless heavenly choir.  What Gabriel spoke privately to the Blessed Virgin Mary at his first Annunciation to her nine months prior, the whole of heaven celebrates with the Advent of her Son that holy night.  That night, so long ago, the Word of the Lord’s promise uttered to our first parents in the misty dawn of time, was brought forth as the Incarnate Son of God.  This Child, whose human nature and soul was taken from His mother Mary, was also fully God, the timeless and eternally begotten of the Father, in unbreakable communion with the Holy Spirit, one Triune God unto all ages of ages the same.  This Child was not merely another human son, born under the inherited curse of original sin and death, but rather the immortal and infinite Lord God Almighty made flesh, that He might dwell among us, and save His people from their deadly curse.  This Child was the living sign of the holy and eternal, condescending to meet the lost and finite— this Child is the intersection of time and eternity, of humanity and God.

This Child, this Holy One, this Glory of Israel, this Light of the Gentiles, this One who reconciles in His own Person that which was rent asunder by human pride and demonic deception; this is the One of whom the angels sing.  The Eternal Word of God made present in time, the Promise of God fulfilled, the presence of God made manifest, and the love of God shining forth for all to see and believe:  this is the Child, Jesus.  He is the tiding of great joy to all nations, both the source and the summit of God’s good will toward men.  He is the great reunion of those divided, the restoration of those who were lost.  He is the Shepherd who has stood watch over His people from the beginning, and who has come to dwell among them, that He might save them from their ancient enemies of sin, death, hell, and the devil.  He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, descended from Adam, Abraham, and David, whose Kingdom shall have no end.  He is the High Priest of His people, and their last, most holy Sacrifice, as well.  He is the Prophet whom Moses said would come, in whose Word the people would trust and live forever.  He is the healing of the nations, restoring in Himself the fellowship broken not only between God and humanity, but between every tribe and tongue of men.  In Him is the Light which no darkness can overcome, which has become the light and life of men, forever shining forth in the abiding gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love.

Behold the Word of the Lord who comes again to you this Christmas Eve, who brings eternity into your present moment, piercing every cloud of gloom and darkness.  Behold Him who is your Savior, your Brother, and your King.  Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and your sins also, that you might be reconciled through Him to your Creator, and in Him reconciled to all His good creation.  Behold the babe, born of humble parentage, adored by Judean shepherds and oriental kings, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  Behold the Child over whom His blessed mother Mary kept watch in wonder and awe, for whom His saintly guardian Joseph quietly provided, and to whom is given the Name above every name in heaven and on earth.  Behold the Lord Jesus Christ, who enters your dark and dangerous moment, that He might lead you into eternal light and life.  Hear Him as He calls to you, see Him as He comes to you, trust Him as He promises to keep you, and cling to Him as He embraces you— for in this Child of Bethlehem is the good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.  For unto to us is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Amen.