“Good News of Great Joy”
Imagine being in a waiting room at a hospital, together with friends and family, waiting and praying as the surgeon walks out from doing the surgery of a family member and says, “I’ve got good news for you…”. You most likely would feel a sense of relief and then a rush of joy. That good news that brings great joy, is akin to the announcement the angel gave the shepherds.
Israel had spent many centuries waiting and hoping for the coming Messiah, the savior king that would come and liberate God’s people from their sin and oppression. After waiting for such a long time, it’s safe to think many had given up hope. But one night, out in the country, the angel gave a great announcement, “Good news!” The good news was God had not forgotten His people, He had sent a Savior. This good news caused great joy!
The good news still echos into our lives today. God has not forgotten us. He sent His Son into this world as a Savior for us. No matter our circumstances, we can still have joy, knowing that God has not forgotten us. We can still receive this good news with great joy, that we have a Savior, born for us – He is Christ the Lord.
Scriptures
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Worship in the Splendor of Holiness
1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.