And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

--Luke 2:8-20

Most of us can agree that Christmas is a busy time of year, especially a couple of days before Christmas. Everyone is finalizing plans for family gatherings, getting last-minute gifts, wrapping up the school season with exams, and trying to keep up with the workload the holidays bring. The chaos can make us want to get the holidays over with. 

“I don’t want to see my family I don’t get along with.”

“I am stressed about how much money I spent.”

“I am rushed with all the shopping, cooking, and decorating I must do.”

At first, I felt this way this year. I am a student at Anderson University, and the holidays have given me more to do. A full-time student who regularly works, volunteers, and now must prepare for finals and our choir concert “Candles and Carols.” These just added more to my plate and I started to burn out. Not having much excitement for holidays.

One of the songs I had to sing for Candles and Carols was a song called “And Suddenly” by Michael Englehardt. The text is inspired by the famous passage in the Gospel of Luke in which the angels appear with a multitude of the heavenly host; terrifying the local shepherds, announcing the birth of Christ, and proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest..” 

Essentially, we (the choir) are acting as the angels proclaiming the good news to the shepherds. Right before rehearsal, I was reading the text trying to make sure I had all the words memorized. As I was reading, I realized that I was bringing the good news to the audience I was performing to. Why am I not acting like it? Why am I letting such little things take away the celebration of Our Savior Jesus being born?

Looking further in Luke Chapter 2, even the shepherds once they see baby Jesus, glorify God and share what they saw with other people! We all know the heavenly peace that was brought by Jesus being born, why not celebrate it? Why not share it joyfully? Why not praise with gratitude? Especially with others so they can experience this heavenly peace and joy with us!

So, as we are walking in the Advent season, ask yourselves, are you focused on what you ‘have’ to do? Do you have joy, peace, and love in your walk with Christ this holiday season? The message of Jesus’s birth is only effective if you receive and respond to it. Let's celebrate and give thanks to our gracious God for the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ together, making a joyful noise!

For Reflection

What have you been stressing about this holiday season? How can you use this time as an opportunity to share the good news? What habits can you make to focus on joy, peace, and love during the holiday season?