BY THE RT. REV. DAVID C. ANDERSON,
PRESIDENT & CEO, AMERICAN ANGLICAN COUNCIL
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." That's what the angel said to the shepherds watching their flocks at night on that first Christmas. It's been over 2,000 years since then but that message is just as true and needed today. Throughout the U.S. and abroad, people are unsure and afraid. With an economic depression, wars overseas, and, for Christians, the spiritual onslaught this world wages against them, it's understandable why so many are afraid and anxious. But as the Lord has a tendency to do, in the face of fear he says to us "do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that is for everyone!" The good news that the angel brought to the shepherds was that the savior of the world had come. The promised savior, the Christ, that would deliver his people from their bondage to sin and offer them eternal life with him and the Father, had come to earth to do just that.
And in our worldly sphere, there is good news that people are standing firm for the good news of Jesus. In late November, more than 125 Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and evangelical Christian leaders, including myself, signed the Manhattan Declaration. The 4,700-word declaration issues a clarion call to Christians to adhere to their convictions and informs civil authorities that the signers will not - under any circumstance - abandon their Christian consciences. Since then, over 300,000 additional people have endorsed the document. I encourage you to read it and do the same by going on the web to www.manhattandeclaration.org. The world needs more people to defend and spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
This Christmas, you and I, just like those shepherds, may be uncertain and afraid, so hear what the angel said and know that it's still just as true. God's good news, that the savior has come and will deliver all who come to him, is joyful news for all people. You have probably already heard this good news many times and I pray that you have and will continue to respond to it. A reminder, however, is always helpful, especially at this time of year when the world wants so desperately to distract us and cause us to be afraid. The Lord may be calling you to share this message with those who haven't heard it, just like the angel did. After all, the good news is for all people. Have a blessed and joyful Christmas and New Year. †