And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:8-14 (KJV) emphasis mine

This message, given to shepherds over 2,000 years ago, rings true today. Do not be afraid. Do not worry. Do not be anxious. The very best thing has happened. God came to earth to save us all from the power of sin and death. God’s will for our lives is peace and joy. The Prince of Peace brought us His peace. And God wants it made perfectly clear that He is not mad at you or me. His heart is full of good will toward us. He came because he loves us, not because He is mad or angry. God loves you. He is not angry with you. He does not hold anything against you. Jesus did not come to condemn you, but to save you and bring you into relationship with Him.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 (NKJV) emphasis mine

Today, as you ponder this thought, consider the words of the old Christmas carol, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Don’t just sing the song mindlessly, but really let the truth of the lyrics sink into your heart. God has truly brought us tidings of comfort and joy; tidings for all people, tidings of His love and good will.

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy!

In Bethlehem in Jewry 
This blessed babe was born,
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn:
That which his mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy!

From God our heavenly Father
The blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy!

The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks afeeding
In tempest, storm, and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
The blessed babe to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy!

Now to the Lord sing praises, 
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas 
All bitterness displace.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy!

Jim and I wish you a very merry Christmas, and may the joy and peace of Jesus fill your heart today and every day of the year.