Christmas Eve

We likely imagine this first Christmas night as peaceful. But, Mary and Joseph were going to be registered in the tax list. An unfriendly, political setting. Folks are anxious. They had to make sure to register in a particular place and make sure they were on the list. But, more than that, the great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel. The description of this is the same words as you’d use to describe an army. That many angels declaring glory to God and on earth peace. Loud. No wonder the shepherds were terrified. But then we hear the angel say, “I bring you good news of great joy.” What if we shared the good news loudly. The good news of great joy is contagious. We might just need to be loud, too..rambunctious, disruptive. Studies show that it takes five joyful messages to combat one negative one. We might just have to repeat ourselves over and over again. The fear and uncertainty of the world wants to dominate. But, we know the truth. May we act with joy, with love. May we be courageous and bold. Glory to God and on earth peace.

Luke 2:1-15; Luke 2:15-20
24 December 2025