“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

     This is what the angel spoke to the shepherds while they were out there minding their own business, “keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (Luke 2:8) So, just who are those “on whom his favor rests?” One group of people would include the shepherds, some unlikely folks who were not highly thought of in the local community, but it didn’t matter to God; he still favored them.  God favored them by sharing the news of his Son’s birth with them. 

     Does the church (which includes you and I) share God’s favor for people like the shepherds?  If not, we would have to ask ourselves a serious question—just who does God favor?  The answer to that is easy—all who need God the most.  That includes all of us, no matter who we are and what we’ve done.  This Good News is for everyone.  It’s not just something we think about during Christmastime; it’s all of the time.

Dear Lord, so many of us are still in need of you.  Help us to accept this glorious gift you have for the world, giving us salvation and making our lives complete.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.