“Just then, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the City of David a Saviour has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:9-11)
Great joy! That’s what the birth of Jesus brings! It is the unfolding of God’s plan for our redemption. For all people. Not just the wise, not just the nobility or the rich. All people. The hardworking shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem. It included them. The Wisemen from different lands, it included them. It includes all of us.
As we sing in our Kiwi carol Te Harinui, this is the great and glorious word! That God would come to earth to make a way for us to call Heaven home. To entrust us with the gift of His Son.
Te Harinui translates from Maori as “The Big Happy”. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate translation! Christmas is a time to celebrate, to remember with great joy God’s gift to us. This is definitely big Happy news!
‘Once in our world a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.’ (C.S. Lewis)
Blue Skies & Lollipops 