I thought I might do a little something, this year, that would help me focus on what this season is really about, and maybe it could help you, too. I’m going to take the story of Jesus’s birth, found in Luke 2, and go verse by verse, 1 through 24, to see what happens. Here we go…

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

Can you imagine their relief?

Those poor, trembling shepherds, surrounded by sudden, blinding light, realize that they are not about to be harmed, but have been chosen to hear some good news. And not only good news, but good news that will bring great joy to all the people. ALL the people.

That’s some kind of news, right there.

Don’t you love to get good news? We ask each other if we want the good news first, or last, knowing that some like to hear it straight off, and others like to linger over it, as a silver lining after the bad. But we all love it. ALL the people.

It’s interesting to me, however, that this particular news – the news that a long-awaited Savior had been born – has been followed by 2000 years of controversy. Millions surrendered to follow that Savior, and millions have not. People have killed over their beliefs, and died for them. Endless arguments have ensued, both sides completely adamant, and if current events tell us anything, this struggle is far from over.

Yet, most seem to participate in the celebration of that long ago pronouncement, regardless of where they stand. They gather around trees, and exchange gifts with those they love. Seemingly unaware that the Good News is still being spread right under their noses, they revel and make merry.

Among those who have chosen to believe on this side of eternity, I can tell you it doesn’t eliminate the struggles and controversy of life. But I can say that it makes walking through it a lot easier, because the News proclaimed to those shivering shepherds has been solidly with me every step of the way, and absolutely good.

It is said that, at the end of days, and regardless of where they stand on the issue now, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess, that the Savior proclaimed was exactly who He was said to be, and that should come as no surprise.

It was, after all, Good News for ALL the people.

Every last one.