The fortune you see above is from my lunch today. Normally I just crack my cookie in half, eat one side and then the other and toss the fortune. Sure, I’ll read it and maybe add a silly ending, but for the most part they’re just little silly sayings that come with a sweet cookie crust. I notice sometimes in the lunch room at work that the fortune cookie is such a big deal to people — people always want “good fortune” I guess? But my fortune today seemed to remind me of something quite greater than good fortune, or even “good tidings” — it reminded me of the Gospel.
I know this weekend we will celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but I can’t help but think about his birth. I know I’m told I’m only supposed to think about that around December 25th, but unless He’s born, He won’t die, and if He doesn’t die then He doesn’t rise again 3 days later, and if He doesn’t rise, well, the Bible says I’m the most to be pitied. As I think about his birth, I’m drawn to the passage in Luke 2, where a messenger brings a message that is truly good tidings:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
