“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin…” – Luke 1:26
“And in the same region there were shepherds in the field…” – Luke 2:8
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem…” – Matthew 2:1
#6 – God’s plan includes everyone
One thing is for sure, there is quite a cast of characters in the Christmas story! A Carpenter, angels, kings, shepherds, wise men, a virgin, and a host of others that are not mentioned. God seems to have gone to the extremes to cover all the bases…to make sure that everyone is included. Everyone got an invitation! From the number one guy in the palace to the lowest shepherd on the hillside, God sends out the announcements. No matter where you are or what your lot in life is, you are included! Christmas is for everyone whether you celebrate it or not.
Truth: God’s plan includes everyone!
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all people.” – Luke 2:10
No one was more surprised to be included than the shepherds in our story. They were the bottom of the social ladder. They were probably on the hillside because they were not really welcomed in the town. After all, they were dirty, poor and who knows what’s on those sandals! Needless to say, they were not on the top of anyone’s party guest list…except one, God’s. Yes, the Creator God, the Almighty and Holy One..Our loving Father…the Good Shepherd extends a special singing telegram to some outcasts in the fields…”You are loved and invited to the party!”
Let’s not forget the wise men. Unlike our rag tag shepherds they were probably men of privilege. Seers, advisors and counselors to those in power. They were also “not from around here”. We might even say that they were outsiders. Also, not necessarily on the guest list for a party celebrating the birth of the Messiah…of the Jews. “Easy there Mr Wise man from the east. Pump the breaks. This is our Messiah. Go get your own.” But…
God’s plan includes everyone.
Yes, the Christmas event reveals a God who loves all people and who includes all in His plans. People in Town…people on the hillside…people far away…people close by. People who are like us and people who are not. It has always been God’s way. He told Abraham in Genesis 12: 3, …in you all families of the earth shall be blessed.” It is what Jesus is saying in John 3:16 when He says, “whosoever”. It is what He taught in His parables, “Go into the highways and byways…” (Luke 14:23). It is what He commands us to do in His name,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” –Matthew 28:19
It is true that not everyone celebrates Christmas but it is equally true that Christmas is for everyone!