Luke 2: 8-20
UNICEF estimates that around 370,000 babies are born worldwide every day. Birth is a common, everyday event. Because of this, most people are more concerned with politics, taxes, sports, and the economy than they are with the birth of a child.
History shows us how easily we miss what is truly important. For example, in 1809, the world was focused on Napoleon Bonaparte. He was a conqueror and emperor who made France the most powerful nation in Europe. Yet, while the world watched the battlefields, few people noticed the babies being born that year—babies who would change the world in much deeper ways.
In 1809, William Gladstone was born; he became one of England’s greatest Prime Ministers. Charles Darwin was born that same year. In a rough log cabin in Kentucky, Abraham Lincoln was born.
This reminds us of another baby born 2,000 years ago. At that time, Emperor Augustus ordered a census across the Roman Empire. He was the most powerful man in the world, the founder of an empire. While the world was focused on great leaders and big events, no one noticed a baby born in a tiny town called Bethlehem. To the world, it was just another quiet night.
In heaven, however, it was a completely different story. When Jesus was born, heaven became as busy as a crowded station. Angels filled the air to share the good news. The glory of the Lord lit up the sky, turning a silent night into a magnificent celebration.
In fact, you cannot read the Christmas story without “bumping into” angels. In the Gospel of Luke, an angel speaks to shepherds in a field, saying: “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” Not just for some, but for everyone in your life and your community.
Most people work hard for one common goal: to have a happy life. Unfortunately, we often forget how to be satisfied. We have so much, yet we constantly want more. This may be why rates of suicide, depression, and loneliness increase every year. In a survey conducted in London a few years ago, 70% of working people said they were in the wrong job and were not happy. We need to relearn what it means to be happy.
King David saw things differently. He began Psalm 23 by saying, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” The Living Bible translates this clearly: “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.”
Forty years ago in Korea, I was rushing to a Christmas Eve service. The city was beautiful, with bright lights on the trees and carols echoing through the streets. Families walked by laughing, carrying colourful shopping bags.
In a quiet corner, I saw a small boy standing in front of a fancy department store. He wore a thin coat and looked frozen. While everyone else rushed to dinner, he looked like he had nowhere to go. He wasn’t crying; he just looked tired and forgotten. It felt like the whole world was invited to a party, but he had been left outside in the dark.
I walked over and asked, “Hey kid, do you want to come inside with me?” He nodded and followed me. Inside the warm building, he headed straight for the toy section with pure wonder. I bought him some toys, a thick warm jacket, and fur gloves. Afterward, we ate a warm meal together. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I haven’t eaten all day.”
I missed my church service that night, but it was the best Christmas Eve of my life. I learned that the best part of Christmas isn’t the gifts or the food—it is making sure no one feels alone.
Last Sunday, we held a “Blue Christmas” service. As I sat there, I thought of my father, who passed away at 58, and my uncle, who took his own life at 31.
I remember the week before my uncle died; he came to visit me. I don’t remember a single thing he said because I was too busy finishing a university essay. I stayed at my desk, pretending to listen while I worked, just nodding my head. Looking back, I realize that when we focus too much on ourselves, we neglect the people right in front of us.
Christmas is a beautiful time of parties and laughter, but it is easy to forget those who are struggling. Even our friends or family members might feel overwhelmed or lonely while everyone else is celebrating.
Christ wasn’t born into wealth. He was born into a humble family in a quiet corner of the world. This reminds us that the heart of the season isn’t found in the noise of the party, but in caring for those in need.
God brings the joy of Christmas to all people—including the lonely and the homeless. David tells us we are blessed because the Lord is our shepherd, but we become even happier when we choose to make others happy.
This year, let’s bring the joy of Christmas to EVERYONE we meet. Let’s make sure no one is left out. Merry Christmas to you all!
