No matter how much we're expecting it, Christmas Eve still seems to sneak up on us, doesn't it?  When it finally arrives, it brings excitement to all of us, and at the same time it has that sense of "What? You mean it's really Christmas Eve already?" about it every, single time.  At least for me.  Nancy and I had the joy of visiting with our neighbors and their four young children last night.  The excitement in that household was quite tangible. I'm sure today will be frenetic for them.  Even though I'm living my fifty-fifth Christmas Eve, the excitement and enthusiasm is still there.  I especially can't wait for this evening.  As we conclude our ABC's of Christmas series, we'll read Luke's birth announcement of Jesus, and remember once again that God's good news of great joy is for EVERYONE! 

EVERYONE!  The lowly shepherds were the first to hear the amazing news that God's son had been born in Bethlehem.  The announcement came from an angel!  When the angels disappeared the shepherds ran to Bethlehem and confirmed the news.  Then they told EVERYONE!  They must've run through Bethlehem shouting, "The Messiah has come!"  Those who woke up and attended to the news, would never be the same.

What about us?  What does Christmas Eve and Christmas hold for us?  Presents?  Good food?  Fellowship with family and friends?  I hope it holds all of those things, and that right in the center of it all is JESUS.  Jesus came to show God's great love for us.  Jesus came so we would know the value of our lives to Him.  You and I are worth ONE Jesus! Have you ever thought of it that way?  Jesus came to live and die and rise again for YOU and for me.  He would have come just for you or just for me--but the good news of great joy is He came for EVERYONE.  You and I are part of everyone.  If you already know and love Him, who do you know who doesn't?  Who is part of the everyone, who hasn't yet become part of the EVERYONE?  Why not invite them to worship with you at New Life this evening at 6:00 or 8:00 p.m.?  Or if you're not going to be at New Life, take them out to a worship service where you are and listen to the good news with them.  If the good news isn't clearly presented, present it to them yourself!  After all, the shepherds didn't know anything except the Messiah had been born and they told everyone!  That means each of us is qualified to tell others about Jesus, too. 

I hope to see you tonight as we celebrate our Savior's birth, life, death and resurrection, as we celebrate what the good news of great joy means to us every day, and especially this day. If I don't see you, "Merry Christmas!" and may God bless us every one!

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus to transform us into Your sons and daughters!  Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may be part of the great line of witnesses, starting with the shepherds who have told everyone about Your great salvation.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.