17 December

Good news of Great Joy

“But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10

What is this Good News and Great Joy? The word translated out of the Greek that means good news is the same word from which we get the word gospel. So really what the angel was saying was, “I bring you the gospel of great joy for all men.” The gospel is the good news that God through Christ has provided for everybody. That gospel is Christ crucified, salvation from our sins.

God looked down upon a lost, sinful, and condemned world and he heard it crying, felt its sorrow, and loved it for what it could be. He saw the greatest need that we had and he did something about it!

The Good News came to give Great Joy in that it banished any fear of death for those who accept him. The birthday of him who made Christmas possible is a happy occasion. Yet there are many people in this world that are not happy, people of all races, colours, classes, and creeds. God meant for all people whom he created to be happy. He even created a way by which they can be made happy; by this gospel of great joy.

Vance Havner once said "the Gospel is not a secret to be hoarded but a story to be announced." Too many Christians are stuffing themselves with gospel blessings, while millions have never had a taste. Let's be like the angels and share the Good News of Great Joy this Christmas.

Clayton Chettiar