What a beautiful hymn: “Be born in our hearts!” We hope that you not only enjoyed this hymn but that your heartfelt prayer is also the same: that He be born in our hearts. You, the eternal light who banishes all darkness, be born in our lives today.

 

We, the followers of Jesus Christ, celebrate this holy season of Christmas because we believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal light, took on flesh two thousand years ago and came into the world to dispel the darkness.

 

Afghans Are Forgotten of History

These days, I am rereading the book Jameela’s Land (Sarzameen-e-Jameela), a truly remarkable book by Ahmad Zia Simak Herawi, one of our Afghanistan’s beloved authors. This book was written many years ago, and I had read it once before. Now, I am reading it again and wanted to share a portion of it with you, dear friends.

 

In this story, a young man travels from Herat to Ghor and endeavors to start a charitable initiative in Firozkoh. He faces numerous challenges but also meets people along the way who captivate his heart. One such person is Uncle Mohsen, an elderly man with a white beard whose love and devotion for Ghor and his homeland are profound.

 

The young man is so moved by Uncle Mohsen that he says:

“Suddenly, I felt that you resembled no one else, for I had never seen anyone like you, never heard words like yours, and never known a heart as kind and sincere as yours. I was stunned, drenched in sweat, dazed, and unable to comprehend anything.”

 

This young man is deeply influenced by Uncle Mohsen’s words. Uncle Mohsen speaks about Afghanistan’s history and his own: how Afghanistan once had prominence, a name, a throne, and sovereignty, but what has become of it now? Uncle Mohsen utters a sentence that deeply affected me, and I have reflected on it many times:

“We are the forgotten of history.”

 

We, the people of Afghanistan, the people of every province that can be named, are the forgotten of history. Whatever we were in the past and the achievements of our ancestors, let us set that aside for now. The question is: Who are we today? What identity do we hold today? How do people know us, and how do we see ourselves?

 

On that hilltop, in that fortress, Uncle Mohsen weeps with love and says, “We are the forgotten of history.”

 

Even today, we might think the same. But there is another story: the story of a few shepherds who were, in a way, also the forgotten of their own history. People who held little importance in their society. These shepherds, these caretakers of flocks, encountered an extraordinary event. Today, I want to share this story with you from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2:

 

“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.”

 

The shepherds were guarding their flocks, a routine duty and their daily livelihood. But on that night, they witnessed something extraordinary: the light of God. The light of God, the glory of the Lord, shone around them. The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were afraid.

 

Is This A True Story?

But is this story merely a fictional tale, or is it a historical account? Is it like the stories we sometimes tell children that begin with, “Once upon a time under the sky,” or are we recounting a historical reality? Let us read the first few verses of Luke, Chapter 2, and see what the Word of God says to us. What kind of text are we reading?

 

“In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)”

 

From this, we understand the timeframe: during the reign of Caesar Augustus, when he ruled the entire Roman Empire. Perhaps now you may ask: Where is Rome? Some may not know, but the second person mentioned, Quirinius, was the governor of Syria. Even today, we hear about Syria in the news. So, the timeframe is completely clear.

 

What about the location? Do we know anything about the place in this story? Let us continue reading:

 

“And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”

 

Again, we see that the timeframe is clear, and the location is precisely mentioned: the city of Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth, but their ancestry traced back to Bethlehem. Which ancestors? Specifically, we see that Joseph was a descendant of King David. So, they returned to Bethlehem, the city of their forefathers, David, the King of Israel. Therefore, both the timeframe and location are explicitly clear.

 

Once again, we see that the time is specific and the location is also very precisely mentioned: the city of Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary were both living in Nazareth, but their ancestry was from Bethlehem. Whose ancestry? Specifically, we see that Joseph was a descendant of King David. Thus, they returned to Bethlehem, the city of their forefathers, David, who was the King of Israel. Therefore, both the time and place are completely clear.

 

This story is a historical account, not a myth or something someone made up. The Word of God recounts history and shows us how Jesus Christ was born.

 

The Good News: Do Not Be Afraid

Let us continue. Verse 9:

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”

 

The shepherds were afraid, but the angel said:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

 

How fascinating! The shepherds were afraid. When we look at the entire Old Testament and read the stories of the prophets, we see that when the angel of the Lord or the glory of the Lord appears, people become fearful. Why? Because humanity has distanced itself from God and can no longer behold Him.

 

Attar expresses this beautifully:

“I cry out, ‘Show Yourself to me!’

Yet I fear the answer, ‘You shall not see Me.’”

 

Attar says that when he asks God to reveal Himself and to show His glory to us, he weeps uncontrollably because he fears the answer that says, “You shall never see Me.” Thus, he weeps bitterly.

 

But these shepherds, on that dark night, saw the light of the glory of God clearly. They were afraid, but what was the angel’s message to these shepherds and to us today?

“Do not be afraid!”

 

In the world we live in, there are many reasons to fear. Young people in Afghanistan might wonder what their future holds. Surely, they often think about their future and feel afraid. Women, as they think about their future—whether they will be able to go to school tomorrow or if their lives will continue as they are—might feel fear. Will they always have to live confined within the walls of their homes, burdened by fear?

 

People, when they observe the state of the economy and consider the country’s economic condition, may feel afraid. Those far from home might fear that they will never return to their homeland, to those they truly love, to people whose absence was once unimaginable. From their elderly fathers and mothers who are now far away. From their sisters, who were once dear and precious to them, someone they could share all their innermost thoughts with. From their brothers, who were like pillars of support, the ones they leaned on. This separation brings fear because now they find themselves alone, exiled, and wandering in this world. They fear they may never return.

 

When they hear that their loved ones in Afghanistan are dying and there is nothing they can do to help, their fear deepens. Or consider those living in refugee camps, who know they may be deported tomorrow or next year. This situation also fills them with fear. On the other hand, there is also the fear of returning to their homeland.

 

Fear is abundant in our country today. There is hardly a heart that is free from fear. So, what is the message of God’s Word for us? What is God’s message to us, the people of Afghanistan, who are filled with fear? Listen to the message of the angel of the Lord, who, through the Word of God, desires to speak to your fearful hearts today:

 

The angel said, “Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid.”

 

The Good News of God

Why? Is this merely optimism? Just comforting words to calm our hearts? No, hear why you should not fear:

“I bring you good news.”

 

In the midst of darkness and fear, amidst all the hardships that cause fear, even when we are faced with countless real reasons to be afraid, the message of God’s Word is:

“Do not be afraid! I bring you good news.”

 

What is this good news? What is this joyful message?

“Great joy will be for all the people. Today, in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

 

So, what is this good news? It is not a message that says everything will soon be fine or that life’s trials are just temporary tests to endure. No! The good news of the Gospel for us is this: “Do not be afraid!”

 

For in the city of David, in Bethlehem—yes, two thousand years ago, at the time of Jesus Christ’s birth—a Savior was born. This is the good news. Why? Because He, the Messiah, meaning the chosen one, the one selected for this mission, is the Savior. Jesus Christ came to save humanity.

 

We need salvation. You may ask: Salvation from what? Well, we have talked about fear. We need salvation from fear. But beyond fear, what is humanity’s greatest fear?

 

What were the shepherds afraid of? They feared because the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the light and glory of God shone around them. Their fear was of God. How can a sinful human being not be afraid in the presence of God? A person who has disobeyed God’s commands and claimed to know better than God—how can they not fear in the presence of God?

 

We need salvation not only from fear, not only from oppression, and not only from misery, but also from our sins. We need someone who can save us from our sins. And this is the good news:

Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid! Because in Bethlehem, two thousand years ago, a Savior was born into the world, who is the Messiah and the Lord.

 

Verse 12 says:

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 

The angel does not merely tell them, “I have good news,” but adds, “I will give you a sign. Go and see with your own eyes. If you doubt my words, observe for yourselves that the Messiah has been born today.”

 

Now imagine the excitement of these shepherds as they pondered the angel’s words. With what joy might they have asked themselves: Could it be possible for us, the forgotten of history, those living in hardship, and those whose work requires staying awake all night while others sleep peacefully and comfortably—could we have received good news? Could there truly be joyful news for us, or are we indeed the forgotten of history?

 

Glory to God and Peace on Earth

No, on that holy night, the angel tells them, “Do not be afraid!” And without fear, the shepherds listen to him. Now see what verse 13 says:

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God.”

 

These shepherds hear the angel’s message and are deep in thought. Perhaps they do not know what to do. And at that very moment, the angel is no longer alone. A multitude of heavenly angels joins him, proclaiming:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests!”

 

A host of angels appears, glorifying God. They declare:

“Glory to the name of the God who has sent a Savior for us and for you.”

“Glory to the God who not only created us but loves us, cares for us, and desires our salvation.”

“Glory to the God who does not leave us alone in our fears, but even in fear brings us good news.”

“Glory to the God who is not just an imaginary concept far from us but the God who revealed Himself to us in history.”

“Glory to the God who demonstrated His love for us through the Savior He sent.”

“Glory to the name of the God who did not abandon humanity.”

“Glory to the God who does not leave us in loneliness and fear. He came into the world so that humanity would not live in isolation, fear, despair, or sin.”

“Glory to the God who loved us and sent a Savior for us.”

 

Glory belongs only to God, the one who loves us and demonstrated His love through Jesus Christ, the Savior of humanity.

 

The Word of God continues:

“Peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests.”

 

Who is Righteous?

Now the question arises: Who are those upon whom God’s favor rests? Are they only the religious leaders, the scholars, or the clerics? If that were the case, woe to humanity. Many holding such titles might be far from God.

 

God’s favor is not reserved for merely being religious. Those who are favored by God are those who accept His good news. It is not someone who claims, “See how I, by my own strength, make myself righteous to please God.” Those who are favored by God are the ones who humbly admit before Him:

“Lord, I can do nothing on my own. I need a Savior.”

 

Saadi rightly says:

That Human is best who brings an apology

For his faults to the presence of God.

Otherwise, no one can fulfill the worthiness

Of His Lordship.

 

Indeed, it is better for a human to approach God with his faults and sins, admitting openly that he has no excuses. Such a person, with humility and sincerity of heart, should say before the Holy God: “Lord, I am a sinner. I can do nothing on my own. I need someone to save me. Save me through Jesus Christ, whom You sent two thousand years ago for the salvation of humanity. Lord, I repent of my sins. I am in fear and despair. Save me.”

 

And to such a person, God says: “Do not be afraid! I have good news for you. The Savior came two thousand years ago, and today, through Him, you can find salvation.”

 

Peace and Reconciliation

The Word of God says that anyone who accepts this message is favored by God. And not only are they favored by God, but they also experience this:

“On earth, peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

 

You can experience peace and reconciliation with God when you accept the good news of God. Accept the Gospel message, the message God has for you: “Do not be afraid, the Savior has come.” When you accept this message, you can glorify God along with the angels, saying:

“Glory to the God who is in the heavens, beyond the heavens, beyond nature, yet came under these heavens to save us.”

 

And now, because I have accepted this good news, I can live in peace and tranquility according to the promises of God. Dear friends, I personally accepted this message years ago, and it brought peace and tranquility to my heart. Truly, even amidst difficulties—I am not saying problems disappear—but I tell you this: even in the midst of challenges, we can experience the peace and tranquility of God. We can experience peace with God and enjoy a healthy relationship with Him.

The Lord did not create us to simply place us on this earth and say, “Just go, be tested, and live a life devoid of any special meaning.” Rather, the Lord created us to truly have a healthy relationship with Him. Humanity was separated from God because of sin. Yet, through Jesus Christ, we can once again be united with God.

 

This is the good news. That is why a host of angels sang, with all their heart and soul:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests.”

 

A Decision to Act

Let us read verse 15: After the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 

The shepherds did not simply say, “Well, that was very interesting. What a good message!” Instead, they said, “No, let us go and see for ourselves if what has been told is true. Let us go to the city of Bethlehem.”

 

Bethlehem still exists today. It is located in present-day Palestine, about ten kilometers from Jerusalem. So, the shepherds said, “Let us go to Bethlehem.”

 

Verse 16 continues:

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

 

Thus, the shepherds, filled with excitement and joy, went to see if what the angel had told them was true. And they went and found Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, just as the angels had described, in Bethlehem.

 

They shared what they had heard—the very story I have just told you—the story of the angels and their message, with everyone there. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.

 

This is the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the story of shepherds who thought they were the forgotten of history. But this is not a story we can forget. Especially now that you have heard it, how can you forget such a truly remarkable story?

 

The angel of the Lord comes, bringing good news, saying, “Do not be afraid!” A host of angels appears in their presence, singing:

“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests.”

 

People cannot forget this message and this historical story. This is the Word of God, and it is unforgettable. One reason this story is in our hands today, allowing us to read the Gospel, is that Mary treasured all these things in her heart. See what the verse says:

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” The Word of God is not forgotten by people.

 

The Word of God and A New People

Today, we can not only read this Word but also become part of this story—a story that began two thousand years ago among people who truly were the forgotten of history.

 

We can become part of this new history—God’s history and the story of His salvation among humanity. When we become part of this history, we are no longer the forgotten of history, as we read in the book Beautiful Land. Instead, our names are written in the Book of Life, and no one can erase our names from this record—the record of those whose names are among those who have eternal life.

 

What is our hope? How can Afghanistan find salvation? How can we face our fears?

 

Well, can we move forward by relying solely on our strength? If we move forward relying only on our strength, where can we reach?

 

I bring you good news, dear friends, and this good news is the message of the Gospel:

Do not be afraid! Two thousand years ago, in the city of Bethlehem, at a time when Quirinius was governor of Syria and Augustus was emperor of Rome, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born into this world. He, who could save humanity two thousand years ago, is still able to save us today—from our fears, our despair, and our worries about the future, no matter what they may be.

 

Above all, He can save us from our sins so that we can reconnect with God, that our lives may glorify His name, and that we may experience His peace and tranquility in our lives. I hope this message has brought peace and comfort to your heart.

 

Final Prayer

But my request and encouragement to you is this: do not merely hear this story; rather, like the shepherds, come before the Lord with great eagerness and say: “Lord, I want to experience Your peace and tranquility. I have heard about Your peace and tranquility, and this story has truly touched my heart because it is Your story.”

 

“Lord, I pray that You save me. Save me from my sins, my fears, my sorrow, and my anxiety. Lord, I pray that today You are born in my heart so that my life may change.”

 

My prayer for you, dear friends, is that you may find salvation in Jesus Christ. Let us pray together:

“Glorious Lord, holy God, thank You for this time we have had. Thank You that we could gather together in this house church and hear the good news of the Gospel. Lord, I pray that You be glorified in our lives and that the work of salvation You wish to begin in our hearts may be brought to completion. For those who hear this message, I pray that today, in the name of Jesus Christ, they may find salvation and experience Your peace and tranquility.

 

Thank You, Lord, that after salvation, You grant peace and tranquility to those who hear this message. And we, Lord, live with joyful hearts because we can live in Your peace and tranquility. Thank You for Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Lord, I pray that Your light may shine in Afghanistan so that the people of Afghanistan may find salvation. Thank You for this time we have had. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”