Christmas Eve

         I have mentioned before how the La Porte Herald Argus would keep track of the shopping days until Christmas. It would appear on the lower right hand side of the comics and since Sundays were not shopping days, the week end made little difference to the countdown. The excitement was peaked on that day when the number “1” appeared in the box. That means that it was Christmas Eve. In our house, that meant the opening of the gifts after supper then a visit to several of the family members in the area especially on dad's side of the family. It was an exciting time, but now where as exciting as the event described in the following passage. Luke 2:11 says, “ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

         Luke 2:1-11 gives the more full account of that event when the announcement was made to the shepherds. I feel that we are often pleased that God made the announcement to the common folk of the time and not to the rich and powerful that were located in downtown Jerusalem. The introduction of the events for the night was given to a group of shepherds while Herod was unaware at the time as to what was going on. The scribes and the Pharisees were likewise in the dark. One may have presumed at the time that the announcement would be made to them as they should have known just based on the Scriptures. When the Wise Men came in Matthew 2, we find the scribes answering the question as to where Jesus would be born, in Bethlehem. For the most part, however, the people were absolutely in the dark. It didn't take too long to get the shepherds attention when the event of the evening transpired. An angel appears and makes the announcement by beginning with the words, “Be not afraid...” At the time, that probably was an understatement. An angel, speaking right in front of you would possibly be a cause for alarm and for fear. The announcement was gratifying and pleasing to the shepherds and they immediately make plans to observe this event by going and looking for the place where Jesus had been born. The account in Luke goes on to say that the single angel is now accompanied by a host of angels praising God. There was no doubt that this was an important event and the shepherds were given enough information to find the spot where Jesus was laying in a manger. What is going to excite you this Christmas? For many, they will be looking for the excitement of the party, the gift, the food and then it will be over. For believers, it will be the excitement of realizing what really took place that night when the shepherds got the first announcement as to what had just taken place. We often refer to this series of events as the First Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ and just as sure as the First Advent occurred, the Second Advent is about to take place. The Scriptures foretold of the First Advent and they likewise speak of the Second Advent. How will the events figure into your life this year? Praise God that He sent His Son to be our Savior. And they called His name Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.