Authority figures are often scary. We can never be quite certain whether they will be “for” us or “against” us. When we receive notice to see an earthly authority (principal, boss, etc.), we are often fearful, for we cannot be certain of their intentions. With God, we can be certain that He is “for” us. The birth of Jesus shows us that God was so excited to share the news that He found some shepherds through whom to express His joy. Scripture records that the shepherds were fearful when the angel appeared before them. Who wouldn’t be? An angel is holy and in this case showed up suddenly. This angel, however, brought GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY! This angel announced the birth of our Savior.

The angel was followed in his announcement by a praise of God that included “and on earth, peace among men with whom He is pleased.” We thought about the question: “What are some reasons God would be pleased with humankind?” It seems easy to gravitate to why He would be displeased, doesn’t it? However, we realized that many of us do try to accomplish good things. We do seek to overcome adversity. We do seek to help one another. The Quakers refer often to the idea that “there is that of God in everyone.” We would all do well to embrace this idea. We are made in the image of God. We are called His children. And yes, we do fall short of His holiness and glory, but Jesus fills the gap. This gap between the holiness of man and the holiness of God would soon be filled with Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, making His birth a true advent of joy!

God also seeks to use us for who we are. He knew the shepherds would be excited and would run to the manger to find the child. He knew that Mary and Joseph might need encouragement after having brought a baby, God’s Son, into the world in a cattle stall! Mary offers us the picture of thinking on these events and “pondering them in her heart.” One can easily imagine a new mother doing so. The shepherds went away “glorifying and praising God,” no doubt stirring up the little town of Bethlehem and thus spreading the Good News.

This Christmas season, let us be reminded that God is “pleased” with us. Let us be reminded that there is that of God in all of us and that Christ fills the gaps. The first Christmas was a herald of joy. This Christmas, may God fill us again with His eternal love, and may that love overflow upon others.