“Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people”  

“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “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 the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”” Luke 2?8-14  

There was a beautiful picture of small children on the pavement of the street in the City, watching and waiting with great expectation of what they could see next. This picture was in the newspaper the day after Thanksgiving, about the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan. There is such joy and wonder even in the waiting itself when we have a real expectation of something special coming to us. We have been in the days of waiting for the birth of baby Jesus, at the same time of waiting for the second coming of Christ.  However, how many of us really wait with the belief of the coming of the Lord Jesus with such a great expectation and confidence in Christ. We are about to experience the wonder of God’s living presence in this season of waiting. Our preparation and prayers in the season of Advent would be reflected on each of us how we sincerely abide in and follow Jesus with joy and praise. We would also be the sign of hope and joy of the coming Christ through our celebration of Christmas; through our service and ministries to our neighbors. We are about to be sent forth into the world as the light of this world.  Merry Christmas!!