“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.’ ”  Luke 2:10

Each year at Christmas time I am reminded of those Christmases of my past as a child when I couldn’t wait to get to sleep in order for Santa to arrive.  I enjoyed all of the accouterments of the Christmas experience such as decorations, the holiday songs, visits from friends and relatives, Christmas dinners, and most importantly the toys and gifts.

Sadly most of those relatives who were present then have gone on to their heavenly reward, and those days and precious moments are now only memories. However, I will treasure those times forever.

While Christmas is a time of great joy for many, it can also be a time of sadness for others depending on their circumstances. For some, Christmas may only be a reminder of what they don’t have, such as lack of funds, no family, or the loss of family members. It may bring about feelings of fear or despair.

In the Luke passage above the angels arrived suddenly and unexpectedly to give a message to shepherds that the messiah was born. Although they were fearful, God’s message was one of good news, joy, and hope.

Christ‘s entrance into the world is about more than a holiday and a time of gift giving. Rather it’s about sharing an everlasting relationship with a loving God who will never abandon us. Why not visit someone you know who may be alone or not near family during the Christmas season and brighten their day by your presence. As an ambassador for Christ, take the message of God's good news.

Have a blessed Christmas season.