Have you ever felt like you really needed some encouraging news? You know, like finding out that you just got a promotion, or learning that the person you are interested in romantically feels the same way about you, or being offered a much-desired ministry or position? It’s easy to believe that once some good news finally comes our way, we’ll be joyful and content at last. How quickly we forget that the most amazing news we could ever hope for has already come! I was reminded of this truth as we were singing Christmas carols the other night, and a line from “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” stood out to me – “Oh tidings of comfort and joy!”
What were those “tidings of comfort and joy” the song was referring to? Luke 2:10-11 gives us the story. The angel of the Lord visited the shepherds to announce the most amazing, spectacular, glorious news ever: “Behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Notice that these “tidings of great joy” were meant for ALL people…that means you and me!
We could never ask for better news than this. God, in His great mercy and infinite love, sent a Savior into the world to set us free from the power of sin and death; to give us the hope of eternity with Him! This Christmas, may we bask in the astounding reality of what He has done for us!
Whenever we are tempted to look for comfort and joy in our circumstances, may we remember that we have already been given the greatest news of all…”Unto you is born this day…a Savior who is Christ the Lord!”
Truly, we have every reason to rejoice!
Pastor Gina
