”I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has been born … who is Messiah and Master…Glory to God in the heavenly heights. Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.” (Luke 2:10,14)
Why was the first Christmas such a big deal? What were the angels talking about?
This news was not only for a specific huddle of shepherds on a specific date residing within some specific hills listening to a specific angel. This was forever and for all – because not all people have “great joy”; not all people see Jesus as Master; not all are accustomed to giving “glory to God”; not all are at peace; and not all “please him” because of their sin.
What does this mean for businesspeople who are followers of Jesus? It might mean:
- Jobs for the millions of unemployed in the world
- Justice for victims of human trafficking, exploitation, and poverty
- Peace for those in war zones and under tyrannical regimes
- Hearing the Good News of Jesus for the first time
- Learning how to please God and having their sins forgiven
- Experiencing compassion and fairness for the first time
- Worshiping the God of the universe and the Savior of the World
All of this and more is what the angels meant back then. It is what they would mean today if they showed up on our lawn or in our board room. It is what Christmas is all about, and it is what BUSINESS AS MISSION is all about.
Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com