Merry Christmas!

The angel told the shepherds not to be afraid.  That is something of a recurring theme in the Bible, you know.  I have heard that, across the pages of Scripture, God tells folks not to be afraid over 300 different times!

Then, reassuringly, the angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

I am thinking today about the good news for “all people.”  I’m thinking about this God, who was not at all parochial, sending His Son only to and for the people of Israel.  This God, who was not at all discriminating, sending His Son only for the righteous or the deserving.  This God, who was not at all exclusive, sending His Son only for the best and the brightest.  No, He had good news which was meant for all people.

I’m thinking about “all people” because Google provides me with a report of the assorted locations where people read this blog.  During the past month, we have had readers from the United States, Canada, Russia, South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia, Latvia, Croatia, and Bangladesh.  Amazing! 

And so, naturally, I am thinking about all people today.  And I want to step aside from the transient and trivial stuff of football long enough to echo the angel -- to say that our God has great good news that He means for all people.  It is the news of a Savior and Lord, who was born to you this day in the city of David.