Good News

Our world has experienced various moments of good news in its history.

The moon landing in 1969.

The ice bucket challenge in 2014.

The Chicago Cubs winning their first World Series in 2016 (this may be bad news depending on who you ask 😉 ).

Some amazing moments in history, no doubt.

But what piece of good news is the greatest in history?

For me, I believe it is found in Luke 2 of the Bible.

“But the angel said to them, “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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12, NIV).

Good news in…

A Savior, someone who saves others from danger

A Messiah, the promised deliverer

The Lord, the personification of God’s sovereignty and divine power

all given to mankind in the humble form of a baby, laid in a manger in the outskirts of town despite mankind’s inability to measure up, meet expectations, and obey.

Mightiness, power, and humility provided as a gift to fulfill His promise long ago (see Isaiah 7:14, NIV), save mankind, and deliver from sin through His sovereignty, divine power, and unimaginable grace.

That’s good news for all people.

All people!

Observe the individuals response to this good news in Luke 2.

• The shepherds: “they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child… the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:17, 20, NIV).

• Mary: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19, NIV).

• All who heard: “and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:18, NIV).

Clearly, this good news “caused great joy” (Luke 2:10, NIV) in the lives of the individuals exposed to the birth of Jesus.

So, where do you sit with this “good news”? Have you considered what it truly means to you, to us, to all? Does it cause great joy in your life? Do you authentically respond to it like the shepherds, Mary, and the crowd?

As a young professional myself, I am challenged by the above questions as I often get lost in the distraction, busyness, career moves, next life stages, shininess, and noise of the world. I frequently miss it, fail to remember, and therefore become hardened to the greatest news of all.

And what if the hope, peace, joy, and love we all long for in this life is found in this Good News?

I believe it is and I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want you to miss it.

So, heading into 2025, consider this —

• Through the help of the Spirit, make a goal for 2025 to remember, believe, and respond to this Good News like the shepherds, all who heard, and Mary — with praise, amazement, treasuring it in your heart

• What is one actionable step you can take to make that goal more achievable?

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