23rd December

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. Luke 1, 46 & 47

But the angel said to them (shepherds), "do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2, 10

Great joy

A small child is born in Bethlehem. The circumstances are extraordinary. Around 700 years before Isaiah (7, 14) had prophecied the birth of Jesus. "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us)".

Although Mary was a descendant of the king David she lives simple. She does not find any room in the inn and Jesus is layed in a manger. This small baby was born in humility and in poverty. He fills them with joy who are expecting him. The heavenly army praises God and sings: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2, 14).

An angel announces this wonderful news to the shepherds who then go to Bethlehem to pay homage to the small child and to glorify God. In the temple the old people, Simeon and Anne also glorify God.

Jesus is also a great joy for us Christians! Yesterday he was our Saviour, today he is our good shepherd and tomorrow he will come and fetch us so that we will be with him in heaven for eternity.