Topic: Christmas Devotional by Calin Miller, “High Drama on a Hillside”

Isaiah had predicted it eight centuries earlier: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners” (Isaiah 61:1). How odd that some rustic field hands were the first to get the news.

How wonderful it is when the poor get good news. Good news more often comes to the rich. But upon this dramatic, exceptional night, the poor got the news first. The rich did not even suspect it.

The old carol “Good Christian Men Rejoice” celebrates the shepherds’ joy that night with these unforgettable words:

“Good Christian men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice.

Give ye heed to what we say. News! News!

Jesus Christ is born today. Oz and ass before Him bow,

and He is in the manger now.

Christ is born today!

Christ is born today!”

This was news made especially for the poor! So, they came, these country shepherds – these to whom the angels had announced the Savior.

This Jesus – said the angels – would take away their sins. This was, indeed, good news! Poor people have no more sins that the rich, but they are less schooled in social smugness, so they are often more honest about their sins.

Isn’t Jesus’ coming good news to you as well? Remember how you felt then you realized that the savior has come to deal with your sins? Didn’t it feel good when you let Him do it?

See you Sunday!

Dr. Scott Kallem