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 (Luke 2:10-11).
This Christmas reading from Luke’s gospel reassures us that, even in times of fear and uncertainty, God comes into our lives and into a world in need and brings hope and great joy. The birth of Jesus is the comforting presence of God among us: it is God becoming one of us— Emmanuel, God with us. Indeed, this is good news of great joy for all people and, at the same time, specifically for us. For to you is born a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord.
One part of this holiday season includes the giving of gifts, often wrapped in colorful gift wrap and ribbons. However, in addition to the holiday wrapping, is the use of gift tags. Some are simple, others are more elaborate, but all name the recipient of the gift: For ….
In the Nicene Creed, we confess that we believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, who “For us and for our salvation…came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human.” In addition, when Martin Luther wrote about the Lord’s Supper, he emphasized the words “given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” In fact, Luther taught that we should understand that Jesus is a gift that God has given us to be our very own.
May the assurance of God’s love for you fill you with joy, hope, and peace in this Christmas season and throughout the coming New Year. And may the gifts of yourselves, your time, and your possessions that you give to God and to one another throughout the year, be reflections of our loving and generous God in whose image you are made, and may they remind you of the greatest gift of all, Jesus our Savior.
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv’n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heav’n (ELW 279)
+Bishop Wilma S. Kucharek
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