The angel of the Lord to shepherds guarding their flocks nearby:

“Don’t be afraid! 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! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Luke 2:8-14

Soon after, the baby Jesus was taken to the temple in Jerusalem by his parents, Mary and Joseph.  They dedicated Jesus to the Lord, according to Jewish Law.

Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Luke 2:28-32

The world may prefer to take Jesus out of Christmas, but Almighty God places Baby Jesus right smack-dab in the middle of his biblical account of Christmas.  Without Jesus we would not have:

• God With Us
• Salvation
• Peace to all nations
• Good News
• Great Joy
• Mercy toward mankind – God’s Pleasure
• Light to all nations

It’s all there.  God revealed in the flesh.  No word of a holiday or festivity on earth.  Just God doing his business on time as he promised.  Just a little something to bring us GREAT JOY.

God’s blessings to you and yours this season.