The right response to Christmas

Celebrated as it is much today, only a few people knew and appreciated the birth of Jesus two millennia ago – when the eternal God became man, borne out of his deepest love for man. There were his parents, of course, and the shepherds out in the field who visited the newborn child that very night. There was Simeon of Jerusalem, and Anna the prophetess, who saw and held Jesus when he was presented at the temple, a few days after as required by the law. And then there were the wise men who visited the child, a year or two later.

From them, we have much to learn on how to react to the birth of Jesus, in two ways they responded – first in the act of worship, and second, as they eagerly tell others about it, on what it means and implies. Jesus’ birth came amidst centuries of Jewish expectation of the coming of the Messiah, which means "the one anointed with oil" (used to elevate those designated for priests, kings or prophets). They were waiting for the “deliverer,” the coming King, the Savior. The birth of Jesus is the beginning of the good news.

“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.” (Luke 2:17). “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” (Luke 2:20). Acts of worship and telling others about the good news. Same with Anna, “She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38).

But it was the angel who first revealed the good news. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:10-11,13-14). The angels did the same thing in response to the birth of Jesus – praising and worshipping God and bringing the good news to man through the shepherds.

The hallmark of a Christian’s response to Christmas is to worship God and bring the good news to others. For those of us who call ourselves Christians, are we doing this today? Or am I sidetracked by the centuries of worldly trimmings, adornments, and secular traditions which made us forget the real meaning of Christmas? Maybe I need some time for introspection on where my heart really is, this Christmas – to worship God and tell others about the good news. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). Salvation and eternal life – this is the good news of Christmas.