This past weekend I encountered a minor dilemma.  Jeanne invited me to go shopping with our grandchildren (you need to understand I am not a shopper) or I could stay home (and I had several projects that I wanted to complete).  Although I’m not a shopper, being with the family won out over my to do list and I’m glad I went.  We had a wonderful day!

The sad reality is that we can become so caught up in our routine that we miss the blessings that God wants to bring our way.  A few years ago a young man wearing jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt and a baseball cap arrived at the metro at  L’Enfant Plaza in Washington during the morning commute.

He removed his violin from the case, threw a few dollars into his case at his feet and began to play the violin.  In the next 43 minutes he performed six classical pieces as over one thousand people passed by.  A few people noticed the violinist and hardly anyone stopped.  What they failed to notice is that the violinist was an internationally acclaimed virtuoso.  Three days before Joshua Bell appeared at the Metro station, he filled the house at Boston’s stately Symphony Hall, where people paid $100.00 for a seat.

Are we so caught up in our routine that we miss the miracle of Christmas?  The shepherds assumed it was a night just like any other as they were keeping watch over their flocks,

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.   (Luke 2:8-9)

A divine encounter is not always planned and it often engenders an emotion of fear, but God’s advice is do not be afraid,

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.  (Luke 1:13)

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  (Luke 1:30)

In our passage today we see the same encouragement to the shepherds,

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;  (Luke 2:10)

During this busy and hectic time of the year I believe he would give us the same advice, do not be afraid.  What is God saying to you this Christmas season?  Do you realize the significance of the good news?  We see from this verse that a proper understanding of the good news results in great joy.  Don’t let fear stand in the way of the good news God has for you.  Take some time during this busy season to reflect upon the good news and experience great joy!

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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