In his birth narrative about Jesus, Luke recorded the declaration of the angel to the shepherds in the field. He said, “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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’” In order to grasp the gravity of what has just been announced, one must first know about the life of a shepherd. Back in the first century, shepherding was a lowly profession. Shepherds were seen as second-class citizens. In fact, a shepherd was not allowed to testify in a court of law because their word could not be trusted. Shepherds knew discrimination and they knew what it was like to be at the end of society’s pecking order. It is to those people that the pronouncement of ‘good news of great joy for all people’ came. Imagine the hope this statement must have instilled in them.

A famous anonymous quote reads,

"Man can live about 40 days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope."

The need for hope is part of being human, and hope is a gift from God. Luke reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about a baby being born, it’s about God breathing hope. There are a few components of the hope of Christmas that are worth acknowledging. First, this hope is exhibited in great joy. God speaks into the desperation of humanity and delivers joy. The angel’s declaration reminds us that God longs for his people to walk in vitality and flourishing. Secondly, we see that the joy and hope God brings is for all people. God breathes hope not just into those whom society would deem as worthy, but into all of humanity. There is no discrimination or favoritism in God. He readily showers hope in the form of joy down on all of his creation. Finally, we see that the sign and the delivery method of ‘good news and great joy for all people’ is a baby lying in a manger. Jesus is the hope of the world.

As we journey towards Christmas, we must be reminded of the fact that Jesus is able to birth hope into any life and every situation. Certainly, the shepherds would testify to this reality. Hoping in God does not come naturally to fallen humanity. John Piper writes, “We must preach hope to ourselves, and preach diligently and forcefully, or we will give way to a downcast and disquieted spirit.” Hope is the secure confidence in the future God has promised. Hope is the assurance of the joy that is available today. Hope is basing our lives around the truth that God is restoring all things. In the midst of this world filled with oppression and pain, Jesus comes. As the Christ child is born in our lives today, His announcement is the same, “I bring good news of great joy for all people!”

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Amen.