As we approach Christmas Eve, can we even for a moment try to put ourselves in the minds of the people of ancient Israel? The Prophets, who proclaimed the news of a king one day coming to unite and lead God’s people again, had been silent for over 400 years. ‘Was God dead’, they may have asked. Was all hope gone? Had God forgotten about Israel? We get impatient and frustrated when God seems to grow distant for a few days. Now, God had been silent for generation upon generation. This once proud nation, was now dominated by the Romans. They had been defeated and exiled. Ten of the twelve Tribes of Israel had been lost. Where was there any hope?

Then, to this insignificant peasant girl came a supernatural experience, but who gave this woman – a very young woman at that – any credibility? Yet, in a distant land, there is a stirring. A few wealthy and wise men that mysteriously watch the stars for signs, begin a long and uncertain journey to see what they believe is a newborn king.
Suddenly, in the countryside, it happens – it is unexplainable, but no less certain. An angel appears and the heavens light up scaring the shepherds tending their flocks nearly out of their wits. Other heavenly beings join in and sing. The angel says, “Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. “
The long 400 year silence had been broken. The announcement is NOT just that a child was born, but the MESSIAH – the long awaited Messiah, the Savior of the World, has come to earth. Emmanuel – God with Us lives among us.

Though beginning with Adam and Eve, man drifted from God. Now, all generations are invited to return and be reconciled with the Creator. Words alone cannot express this opportunity – this reconciliation. And God is not only calling His people – the Hebrew children back, we soon learn that he is calling ALL Children to come to Him. He is not only the God of Israel. He is your God and my God. He not only cares about groups of people – He cares about each individual.

That same excitement can be ours today. Have we drifted? Has God been silent? Are we dominated by life’s pressure – money, health, relationships, fear, doubt, disappointment?
Listen – “We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell. Oh come to us, abide with us, Our Lord, Emmanuel. “