Glad Tidings

By Craig Ashton Jr., December 16, 2023

As I pulled out the Christmas nativity set for my kids tonight, I thought about the little town of Bethlehem. The human characters of the nativity scene—Mary, Joseph, the babe in the cradle, and the shepherds from that eventful night—often become cute Christmas decorations. The prophecies of the Christ child are also recited this time of year, yet we so easily forget to follow His teachings, which are meant to make the world a better place.

Reverend Munther Isaac of Bethlehem’s Lutheran Church recently announced that due to the unfolding suffering and grief caused by the massacre of innocent children, the church’s festive Christmas celebrations have been canceled. I am left wondering how to respond to the tears and pain of those suffering the ongoing aggression against children living in Palestine and to the captive children of Israel. If God is so peaceful, why do brutality, war, and murder happen?

I considered the shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem that eventful night, sitting around campfires and pondering the prophecies of a long-awaited moment of deliverance. Out of Bethlehem will come “One who will be the ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times . . . And He will be our peace” (Micah 5:2–5, NIV). They were waiting for God to interrupt the darkness of the human experience and guide them into the way of peace (Luke 1:78–79). Suddenly, the night sky filled with a glorious light, and angels told the shepherds not to fear, for they brought great tidings of joy for all people (Luke 5:8–10). As they broke through the night sky, these heavenly angels burst into their glorious announcement. Consider how the heavenly host framed the coming of the Savior: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:13–14, NKJV).

The heavenly host came with a song that resonates with our hearts’ deepest longings. I can only imagine how the shepherds were filled with breathless excitement as they experienced this rescue anthem. God comes to lead us all from our dark night into the light of His glorious grace. Yet peace on earth doesn’t come by singing Christmas carols and putting up Christmas decorations. It comes by following the teachings of Jesus; declaring His goodness, peace, and joy; and learning to be inclusive of all people. God wants to include us in His plans for the earth. He wants to fill us with glad tidings—our lives held together by His peace and joy, making the world a better place for all people.

The same glory that illuminated Bethlehem’s night sky needs to enlighten this world enshrouded in darkness (Revelation 18:1). May God help us follow Jesus so that the world can see the glory of His love shining. May we become bearers of His glory on earth, proclaiming His goodness alone as we hum the angels’ song.

Craig Ashton Jr.