December 22, 2020
Luke 2:10-11—Shepherds and Angels
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11
In Luke 2:10 God’s angel calms the fears of the shepherds, “do not be afraid, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people”. Jesus came bringing good news of compassion to all people of every denomination and socioeconomic status, especially the powerless!
Verse 11 tells us a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord, will be born in the city of David. Last year I visited the Holy Land. Bethlehem today is a bustling town a few miles south of Jerusalem. Since 1995, Bethlehem has been under Palestine jurisdiction with a wall separating the town from Jerusalem, Israel, making it difficult for locals to go from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. The site where Jesus was born is now the Church of the Nativity, across from the current Town Square. The Church houses three denominations – Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Franciscan Order of Roman Catholic Church. There is ongoing discussion and dissension about which group has custody of this historic site.
As I read this scripture the words ring true to me in 2020. In our country, our humanness still struggles with sharing the good news that is for all people. The Church of the Nativity and the town continue to be challenged as three denominations work together and two peoples coexist a few miles apart. These are challenging times, as were the days when Jesus was born. “Do not be afraid” says God’s angel! The shepherds needed to hear these words and so do we!
Prayer: Dear Lord, in this time of fear and dissension, calm our fears and empower us to be your people in this world proclaiming good news for all. Amen
Susan Mobley