Begin Again

Luke 2:1-14
Gospel Reading for Christmas

Odds are you know the story. The angel. The young woman. Her betrothed. The miraculous baby. Another angel and then many more. The shepherds. We hear the story every year. We sing the songs. I admit that sometimes, if I am not careful, the entire Christmas season can go right past me.

And yet...

Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth in lying in a manger....Glory to God in highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors!"

The Christian calendar always begins with Advent and Christmas. We come back to the start. We remember the heart of the story: that God loves humanity and creation so much that God came down to earth in the form of a fragile baby. We need that reminder constantly. At the end of each calendar year, we are given the opportunity to hear the words of the angel and begin things anew.

These are the transformative realties that can help us to move forward as we follow after God:

Do not be afraid.

There is good news of great joy for all people.

God is with us.

God saves.

Peace on earth.

Let us begin again.