To ALL People

In the account of the angelic visit to the shepherds as they tended their sheep in the field, we see an often overlooked or misinterpreted truth. The announcement in verse 10 of Luke 2 reads like this. “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people”.

Good Tidings

The message was clear, and it was definitely good. The long awaited Savior had finally come. Born in the City of David, not as anyone would expect, but nonetheless, He had arrived. The chosen audience? A rag tag group of second class citizens and outcasts, tending their flocks.

We are smacked across the face with the reality that the long anticipated Messiah has arrived. But not in the place we would have imagined, not in the manner we would have conceived, and it is announced to a people group that would have been the last to hear from any earthly royal messenger.

Perplexity of Perspective

To those who are in need of a Savior, isn’t this exactly what we would want. A God who understands and chooses the plain things of life to reveal the main thing in life. We could not ask for a better scenario. The King of the Universe, understanding my brokenness, became a human in the lowliest of states. Born to an ordinary family in not so ordinary circumstances. With only a manger for a bed, in a town far from Joseph and Mary’s home, this was certainly not what they had envisioned for the birthplace of their first born, but God did.

To those who have a high opinion of themselves, or to whom they belong, this is certainly perplexing. The long awaited Messiah was to be a warrior, a king that would deliver his people from the tyranny of those who oppressed them. Those who esteemed themselves royalty or set apart from the rest, could not and cannot perceive that anyone else would be chosen to receive the good news. This was too hard to grasp, surely God would not choose a carpenter’s son from Galilee? He could, and He did!

Great Joy to ALL People

Within the great divide exposed previously, we find this misinterpreted, often overlooked truth. Jesus the Savior, was sent for ALL people! The good news that was heralded to the shepherds, was meant for us all.

In our narrow mindedness, we like to construct divisions or lines that exclude or eliminate. Whether it be by race or creed, or religious background. The “isms” created by man to separate and divide, or the fear and hatred of different people groups drives us to exclude. But on this night, the message was for ALL, and in that is the message of Christmas. Unto US a Child is born. Unto US a Savior given.

In this season we need to remember this truth. The star was there as witness to all peoples the birth of our Savior. The believers and unbelievers, the poor and the rich, the lowly and the proud. The angels proclamation of good news was for ALL.

There is plenty of time to judge and to speculate about one another outside of this season. For this short time may we find ourselves lost in the awe of the moment. At the manger, as at the foot of the cross, we find ourselves at the same level. Regardless of status, creed or religious affiliation, He came, was born, crucified, buried, and rose again on the 3rd day for each of us. May God bless you as we celebrate the birth of Christ, and may you come to understand the Father’s love for you, no matter where you stand today. The message of good tidings and great joy is for YOU!

God bless, and remember all of life is ministry.

Ricky Banks