Good news. That is what our word “gospel” means. And it is not only good news; it is the BEST news. It is good news of great joy!
The Gospel is a departure from the glow and doom newscasts of our day. Reports of violence, hatred, and corruption. But the newscast from the angels to the shepherds was the best news ever. And if ever there were people who needed some good news, it was those shepherds. That message reminds us that no matter our circumstances, we can find JOY in Jesus.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. — Luke 2:8-11
Those shepherds were among the simplest people in society. They were hired hands who had no marketable skills other than sitting out at night with someone else’s livestock. There wasn’t whole lot of good news in their lives.
Joy to You, Too
But this night changed their lives forever. And it still changes the lives of those who will believe and respond to that good news today. The Savior has come. The way to be made right with God has been provided. Nothing else really matters in light of that news. What about you? Have you responded to that good news today? Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? If not, you can. Right here. Right now. Admit that you are sinner in need of saving because you can fix yourself. Turn away from the sin you’ve been living and receive the gift Jesus provided when He died on the cross.
But Advent also reminds us that the good news is not old news. He is at work in our lives today to restore His image in us. Day by day, He is working to make us more like Him. That is certainly a cause for joy.
The Joy Yet to Come
But Advent also reminds us that there is good news yet to come. One day He is coming a SECOND TIME to complete His work in us, do away with sin once and for all, and create a new heaven and new earth. All of those who trust Him and follow Him will live with Him forever. That is a cause for joy for sure!
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. 5 And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” – Revelation 21:1-5
An Advent Prayer
Heavenly Father,
As we worship You today, may the joy of Your redemption and restoration in our lives chase away all the darkness of anxiety, gloom, despair, and sadness. May we worship You today in the fullness of joy that only Your Holy Spirit can provide as we look back at Jesus’ first coming and Redeemer and His second coming as Restorer.
In His Name We Pray,
Amen.