The Angel’s Message

Editor’s note: This Christmas meditation was discovered by News Editor Ron Burtz in a book of Christmas stories, poems and other writings borrowed from the Rapid City Public Library over 40 years ago. It has since been used many times in Christmas programs and Christmas Eve services, but its origins remained unknown. However, in the age of the internet a reference to the reading of this article was found in the Evening Times of Sayre, Pa. published on Dec. 21, 1936. It was read by Rev. Lunn at Grace Episcopal Church in Elmyra, N.Y. Though nearly 90 years old, its message is as timeless as Christmas itself. 
Small wonder if God should grow discouraged with His world. It would not be strange if He were to rise up in righteous indignation over the blundering sins of mankind. At the time of the first Christmas God’s patience had been tried to the uttermost. For centuries he had showered His chosen race with gifts, blessings and opportunities unnumbered. Materially and spiritually they had been highly favored of God. Yet in almost every time of testing they had disappointed him. They had buried the simplicity of heavenly truth beneath the complexity of artificial human righteousness. The most eloquent, consecrated and zealous prophets of God had pleaded, warned, admonished and sacrificed among them. Usually the people refused to listen -- persecution, disrespect, and death were often the lot of God’s messengers. Theirs had been a spiritual revelation unsurpassed in sublimity, power, and beauty. But their dulled souls dreamed only of earthly kingdoms and material splendor. 
Twenty centuries under a completed covenant have brought us even greater blessings from God, but still we grieve him in our hour of testing.  Still we sell our souls for the things of this earth. Millions of weary humans walk the streets being denied any place in the scheme of things. They’re not permitted to make any contribution to the welfare of the world. They’re not even allowed to earn their food and shelter.  Although blessed of God for centuries the nations take from each other whatever they may desire, on the mere pretext of needing it. Every nation’s pavements resound with the tramp of marching armies, and shake with the rumble of guns and tanks and supply trucks. Every ocean is a highway for enlarged fleets of mighty armored ships. The blue of heaven is hidden is hidden by the clouds of airplanes armed for destruction and for death. Within nations class fights class, each demanding what it calls its rights. Still the world refuses to listen to the voice of God. It hates war, yet it marches on toward it. It does not want turmoil and strife, yet its actions promote them. It condemns sin, yet continues in it. Still God does not rise up in judgment.  The message that comes from Him is not a reminder of sin--not a condemnation of the race, because the groping blindness of men touches the heart of God.  He loves this world, even as it was that first Christmas night... even as it is now.  The air is set ringing with music.  Angel messengers rush to earth with tidings of great joy. Earth resounds with gladness and hope, and peace. Then shepherds watching their sheep heard glad tidings -- now every church and every home becomes a shepherd’s plain, every heart becomes a Bethlehem.

“Be not afraid!”
“Be not afraid”... God’s first message long years ago. God’s first message also at this Christmas. In the midst of the turmoil and unrest produced by our own unfaithfulness, men have become frightened and worried. Fear paralyzes them, driving them ever farther into sin. Fear robs of power, destroys peace, cripples achievement. Every home and heart is haunted by this grim specter. Fear of losing one’s job ... fear of poverty ... fear of sickness and death... fear of the future of one’s children... fear of the options of men... fear of war... fear of oneself... fear of God.  But at Christmas there comes to all men the voice of God ... calm... loving... strong. 
“Be not afraid.”  
Humans, listen and hear again the words that ease pain, calm nerves and drive forth fears. More wonderful words were never spoken to troubled, worried, sinful men than these.

“A Savior”
“Unto you is born this day... a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” A Savior. 
The Christmas tidings bring us the glad news of One who comes to take complete command. To bring victory and success out of defeat and failure. The message with which God greets this despairing, chaotic world is a message which truly drives out fear. The message of a Savior. It is not merely the lending of a hand at the oar when the wind is a trifle strong, but a power that rescues after the oarsman is exhausted and the storm is about to destroy the craft. It is not merely assisting a naturally fine character to become a little better, but coming to the rescue of one who has battled and lost.  Here is not merely a guide for nations that are able to help themselves, but one that saves them from ruin.

“Christ the Lord”
As every heart wonders, “Can anyone be mighty enough for this?” the angel message brings us the answer in the words, “who is Christ the Lord.”  Here is infinite power for He is the One promised and sent from God... Christ the Lord of all. 
Some will celebrate this Christmas in a purely external way. When its over they may be a little more weary, a little more cynical, a little more sad. Others will be content with having seen in it humanity at its best. They feel that, for a time at least, the harshness of life has been laid aside. Such people may be somewhat refreshed by the season, but those who are to find in Christmas true blessing and joy will brush aside all the confusion and stir of the season, and laying aside the purely human concepts of it, they will go where they can hear the songs of angels and the words that come from God. And they will face the new year with new courage, new hope, new purpose, and new hearts.