And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11
The angel’s words break into the darkness with joy: “Fear not… unto you is born this day… a Savior.” This is the heart of Christmas – the declaration that God’s love has arrived, not as an idea or a distant promise, but as a child born among us.
In Jesus, love takes on flesh and breath. Heaven bends low. Eternity steps into time. This love does not wait for everything to be put together. It comes to a weary world – to shepherds on the night shift, to a young family far from home, to all who are tired and in need of rest.
I was reminded of that kind of love just over a week ago as I wrapped up my first year of doctoral work. My body finally gave in to the stress and exhaustion I had been carrying. I wasn’t feeling well. I remember saying that I wished I could go back and reread the “Little House on the Prairie” books that I had loved as a child – stories of comfort and simplicity. My husband, Jeff, quietly listened. He surprised me with a boxed set. Then on that evening, he made sure I was settled into a recliner with a blanket, our Christmas tree glowing nearby, and told me that my only task was to read while he cooked dinner. In that moment, I felt deeply loved and cared for – not because I had earned it, but because it was given.
This is how God’s love comes to us at Christmas. Before we give, before we serve, before we do anything at all, God invites us simply to receive. Christ is born not to add to our burden, but to bring peace, rest, and joy to tired hearts.
Gracious God, help us receive the gift of Your love this Christmas, resting in Your care and rejoicing that You are with us. Amen.