Deeper Reflection
CHRISTMAS IS MEANT TO BE A JOYOUS TIME OF THE YEAR. But it is also a most difficult time of the year for many people: the destitute, the sick, the prisoners and foreigners who are unable to return home to be with loved ones. In verses 1 to 21, we read about the angelic hosts appearing in glory and proclaiming the Good News of the Saviour’s birth to lowly shepherds.¹⁷ They were told that the birth of the Christ-child had taken place, but not in a palace or amidst pomp and pageantry. The shepherds immediately and hastily left to witness the nativity scene in Bethlehem for themselves.The simplicity of the scene of “a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger” was remarkably inviting for these shepherds, if nothing else for its ordinariness. Yes, the story behind Christmas is remarkable though a simple one. It is remarkable because God chose to become a human being and came as a humble infant to an ordinary Jewish family. Perhaps the majestic hymn of praise by the heavenly hosts to signal the coming of this Christ-Child (vv.13-14) is this: to underscore that this infant Jesus is no less divine even though he chose to be “born in the likeness of a human” (Phil 2:5-11; cf. Col 1:15-20). The Christmas story is also a simple one: on Christmas day “is born in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (v.11). Let’s take every opportunity to share the joy of this “good news” with everyone, especially with those who are often overlooked in our midst. Be blessed this Christmas!

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¹⁷ It is a well-known theological emphasis of Luke to focus on the poor, the needy and the marginalised people in his Gospel.