The dramatic announcement made to the shepherds is truly good news about what God is like! Unfortunately, in much of her history Christianity has lived and interpreted the story of Jesus in such a way that it doesn't come across as very good news for all but instead a story of exclusive qualifications in order to belong. Let's listen once more to the angelic announcement:
Luke 2 - "And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men.”
As I reflect on this beautiful portion afresh, I see the following truths about God in the highlighted phrases:
First, "Do not fear." This suggests that God knows we humans are fearful people and wants us to understand that, unlike the intimidating gods of the nations, he is coming to us in an unaggressive way as a weak and helpless baby. Rather than fearing him, he desires that we trust in his loving kindness towards us.
Second, "good news of great joy." Our God is a joyful God with good news for us. This announcement isn't that of a vengeful, vindictive God but One, who like loving parents, is eager to surprise their children with gifts of pure love and affection.
Third, "to all people." This God is not tribal. He isn't coming for only one particular group of people but for all people, all nations. This is staggering news for humans whose bent is toward thinking that God has favorites or a favorite religion.
Fourth, "the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." This God comes in the most vulnerable form possible and is born into the poor of society, underscoring his desire to identify with the lowliest and the disenfranchised of society and to come in the most non-threatening way possible.
Fifth, "peace on earth." This tells us that his nature is peace-loving and non-violent. He comes, unlike all other gods and kings, with no rivalrous nor competitive agenda, no need to prove himself nor to dominate anyone. The rule of His kingdom is a rule of peace.
Sixth, "good will toward men." This God comes with good will, good intentions towards all people. All other gods and rulers view people as a means to accomplish their agenda and glory. Our God is all about good for everyone with no need for dominance and glory.
This is an astonishing announcement! Everything about it shouts that this God has no animosity towards humanity but rather is in love with humans and will do anything to come to our aid, and because he is how he is, he won't assert and force himself and his ways on anyone. I can respond to such a God...
