TV newscasts often report that our politicians have again been on state visits to foreign nations. So much is amiss back home that one wonders why they spend so much time globe-trotting! They assure us that they are on goodwill missions to foster good relations, pursue common interests and promote trade.
Has it occurred to you that God has also made such a goodwill visit to the planet? He did this in order to deal with the thorny issue of man’s rebellion against their original agreement and to broker better relations between heaven and earth.
Luke’s Gospel has the account of the angelic announcement of God’s goodwill visit.
Luk 2:8-14 NKJV Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!"
Let’s try to get a better grasp of the significance of God’s goodwill visit!
Firstly, let’s reflect on the angel’s amazing announcement…
Luk 2:10-11 "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
The joyful news of God’s goodwill visit was announced by a heavenly messenger to a small band of shepherds in the Judean hills some two thousand years ago, but the good news was for all people (us included). The one who would visit was called: Saviour, Christ and Lord.
After this amazing announcement, this group of simple shepherds was then treated to the greatest Christmas Carol service ever presented. (The light show was out of this world and the choir sang like angels… ‘cos they were in fact angels!)
Then let’s ponder God’s good purpose…
Luk 2:13-14 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, goodwill toward men!"
The angels announced in joyous song, that the God of heaven had rent the heavens and come down to earth on a peace mission.
Although the majority of humankind had angered God by their persistent rebellion against Him, this was not a visit of judgment and retribution to settle scores.
Joh 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
No! Amazingly, this visit was designed to demonstrate the goodness and the grace of a God who wanted to embrace His wayward children in His arms of love.
So this was a visit to restore relationship. All through the centuries God’s Father’s heart had been aching for His children – now was the time for Him to reach out in love.
Finally let’s reflect on humankind’s varied response…
Although the prophets had spoken repeatedly about the coming of Messiah, His arrival took the “powers that be” unawares. King Herod and the political establishment were threatened and incensed by the breach of protocol and tried to abort God’s visit.
The religious rulers were caught red faced when they failed to recognise the God they rambled on about. Instead of a red carpet of welcome, they were to order a rugged Roman cross of rejection.
Amazingly, it was the simple folk like shepherds, fishermen and farmers… even sinners like prostitutes and tax collectors that did recognize Him. Scripture records man’s varied responses to God’s goodwill visit…
Joh 1:10-12 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…
What about you?
How will you respond to God this Christmas?
Will you rage against Him like a deranged Herod?
Will you party on in the worldly dissipation of the season?
OR. Will you recognise God’s day of visitation, believe in His Son whom He sent, and receive Him as Lord and Saviour?
The choice is yours. God is waiting for your response. I urge you to embrace the Christ child – Jesus is the path to peace of mind and heart!
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