Good News of Great Joy

I love the announcement of Christ’s birth given to us in the gospel of Luke. In Luke 2:9-10 it says, “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.”

Good news of great joy. In a world that is saturated with bad news, stress, anxiety and fear I think it is wondrous and encouraging to know that the introduction and the continuing foundation of our faith is centered on good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

As I think about how I want to celebrate and remember the birth of our Savior this Christmas season I find myself asking if my focus is on the good news of Jesus Christ or is it distracted by the stress and anxiety this season can often produce. My desire is to simply enjoy the good news this season. It is truly good news to know that I am loved and valued by the Creator of all things.

All the people. I am also challenged by this verse because my experience of the good news of Jesus compels me to share this good news with others. The good news is for ALL people. If we have experienced the good news of Jesus then it should translate into good news for our neighbors, our co-workers and anyone we interact with. We share the good news of Jesus by living like Him. We love. We give. We listen. We celebrate. We point the way.

What does the good news of Jesus mean to you this season?

Chad Quarles

Outreach Coordinator