When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
-LUKE 2:17-18

I looked at Amanda and said, “Are you going to be able to keep this a secret until Christmas?”

She nodded a silent “yes.” I doubted her resolve. I knew this would be a challenge.

As we have spent the last few weeks listening for the subtle — and not-so-subtle — hints about the things for which our loved ones have been hoping for on Christmas morning, we’ve searched far and wide (i.e.: typed a variety of things into the search bar on Amazon.com) to get it right. Because Christmas is the story of a good father giving good gifts to the ones he loves, we give good gifts to the ones we love too. Sometimes, the gift we give is dead-on, perfect. Before the wrapping paper is in a pile in a living room, before the Duraflame composite log with crackling fire-effect is set ablaze, and before Ralphie punches out Scut Farkas in a torrent of bully-comeuppance, we know that we’ll be witness to a reaction of overflowing enthusiasm about that one thing we got that one person — a gift to supplant all others.

I know Amanda wants to tell our kids what we’ve gotten them. She knows we nailed it. To say that they’re going to be excited, is a gross underestimation of their near nuclear reaction. While not the most extravagant of gifts, to our kids, the presents are brilliant — we know it. Amanda is absolutely certain of it. And… I can tell, she wants to reveal that to them. Her joy is their joy. She has seen something good. She is awaiting the time when someone else for whom that good thing is intended, can share in it, too. She can barely contain it.

The first Christmas is announced to the shepherds as “good news that will bring great joy to all the people.” And, after having seen the subject of that news: a baby in a manger with a name that means “God-rescues,” they can’t contain what they’ve seen and now know. They “spread the word… and all who heard it were amazed.” As we wrap up the Advent series this week with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper and look at the fast-approaching Christmas eve services, consider who it is, during this season, who would be “amazed” by an genuine encounter with Jesus and his church at Christmas. People are never more willing to attend church than at Christmas. Generally, they just need someone who understands that the good news of Christmas truly is good news… for ALL the people.

See you Sunday,

Jeff