On this December 1st, crisp 30-something degree, windy, blue-sky day, I left the workplace during lunchtime, for a brief respite from month-end accounting into the hustle and bustle of people dodging traffic, eating lunch or running quick errands. I was refreshed to see the beautiful sunshine and didn’t feel rushed despite the traffic. It was also refreshing to go into familiar places and see familiar faces... to speak to the black lady behind the deli counter at The Pig. She works so hard each day with such little pay, yet she returns a smile back and asks, “How was your Thanksgiving?” I replied, “It was good!” A smile and kind word doesn’t cost anything, yet it can bring many rewards and helps to spread God’s love.
Then I went into the little Christmas Shop in Crestline, tucked away behind the back of the long building. It is only open during this brief season each year. It was good to make this yearly trek to see my friend, Diane, the manager. She immediately recognized me and knew exactly what items I had come for…wonderful crystal and silver globes with Winter and Christmas scenes, a wind-up music box underneath, and you shake it to see the snow falling within the globe. I stood there in child-like amazement to hear the delightful sounds of the music playing within the music box while the snow fell on the scene in the globe. As I checked out, the little German Lady working behind the counter was so friendly and kind. Two places at lunchtime, each with people who were willing to serve others with a welcoming smile and words of grace.
We sometimes get overwhelmed during the holidays…food preparation, cards to send, presents to buy, parties to attend…go, go, go, not stopping long enough to reflect on that first Christmas long ago. This is how it was during the rule of Herod, King of Judea…difficult times for God’s people…hard working, sometimes, poor people in very difficult circumstances.
How did Zachariah, the priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin feel, when in old age she became an expectant mother. They had worked hard all their lives and lived honorably before the Lord, but still no children. While Zachariah was performing his duties as priest at the altar of incense in the temple an angel appeared. Zachariah was very afraid. The angel explained to him that Elizabeth would bear a son and that they should name him John, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is born. The angel said, “I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I have spoken to you will come true on time – God’s time.”
It was “in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy that God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: “Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty; beautiful inside and out! God be with you.” Mary was very frightened. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, be called, ‘Son of the highest.’ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever – no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
So, as the angel Gabriel surprised Zachariah and Mary with good news, let’s surprise others this Advent season with Good News. Announce with kind words and a smile that there is no reason to fear: Jesus has been born and can be born anew in their hearts. Give a lasting gift this Christmas, one that lasts forever, the Grace Gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we go through these days of Advent and preparation of the coming of the Christ-Child, ponder these thoughts.
Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Mark David Jackson
