“Good News of great JOY”

And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the LORD appears to them and the GLORY of the LORD shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great JOY for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the LORD. This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying. "GLORY to GOD in the Highest heaven, and on earth PEACE to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:7-14

Meditation:

A Humble beginning.

The sheer humility of Jesus' birth is striking. Born not in a palace, but in a manger, he entered the world in the lowliest of circumstances. This speaks volumes about God's values and the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Where the world seeks power and status, God chose humility and simplicity.

Announced to the lowly.

The angels didn't appear to kings or priests, but to shepherds – ordinary, working-class individuals. This highlights God's concern for all people, regardless of their social standing. The message of salvation is for everyone, and it is often those who are overlooked by the world who are most receptive to it. The birth of Jesus signifies a radical inclusion, tearing down social barriers and offering HOPE to all.

Good News of great JOY.

The angels' proclamation is filled with JOY and promise. The birth of Jesus is not just good news, but great JOY, intended for all people. He is the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord – the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy and the HOPE of redemption. The birth of Jesus is the dawn of a new era.

PEACE on earth.

The angels' song echoes the promise of PEACE. This PEACE isn't merely the absence of conflict, but a deep and lasting wholeness, a restored relationship with God and with one another. This PEACE is available to those on whom God's favor rests; those who humbly receive Jesus as LORD and SAVIOR, the Son of God.

The birth of Jesus inaugurated a new covenant with GOD, one of HOPE and redemption. He is the prince of PEACE and the bringer of light, for all those who seek Him.

"And Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." - Luke 2:19

Mary's Reflection.

Mary's example invites us to reflect on the profound mysteries surrounding Jesus' birth. The miracle is only just beginning, and her meditation highlights the importantance of reflection and meditation every reader should do when reading this story.

Let us, like Mary, treasure these truths and ponder them in our hearts, allowing the story of Jesus' birth to transform us from the inside out.

Consider spending some time in quiet reflection, meditating on the meaning of Jesus' birth for your own life.

How can you embody the HUMILITY, LOVE, and PEACE that JESUS came to bring?

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, thank you for sending JESUS, to be the SAVIOR of all mankind! Help us every day to share joyfully the "Good News of Salvation" to all people! in Jesus' name we pray. Amen!

Jose Reyes.