Good Words from God’s Word
The angel appeared to the shepherds tending sheep on the hillsides outside of Bethlehem to give the announcement of Christ’s birth, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The angel could be the first evangelist recorded in the New Testament. The word used to translate, “I Bring” in Greek is “Evaggelizo,” or “I evangelize to you great joy...” The reason that is significant to us today is because good news and great joy is worth sharing. It is not appropriate to everyone. In fact, the more you share “good news,” the better it gets. The same is true with great joy. The joy of Christ increases and multiplies the more you share it.
The “good news” of Christ and his “great joy” will abound at Grace this morning. Our Bethlehem Breakfast today will not be a solemn or somber gathering. It will be grand and overflowing with the JOY OF THE LORD. Why not? The good news is still the same, “…today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” We gather around the table this morning to rejoice in the fact that Christ Jesus has been born. He is our savior. He has redeemed us from our sins. That is why we experience great joy when we get together.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court for 30 years. His mind, wit and work earned him the unofficial title of "the greatest justice since John Marshall." At one point in his life, Justice Holmes explained his choice of a career by saying: "I might have entered the ministry if certain clergymen I knew had not looked and acted so much like undertakers." Today In The Word, June, 1988, p. 13.
When the angels of the Lord lit up the night sky that night singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14), it was an occasion for celebration and overwhelming joy. It was not an “undertakers” kind of happening, but a festival of delight. That’s what “good news” does. It lifts your spirit. It gives you a piece of God’s heart—HIS JOY.
It is said of Adoniram Judson, when he went as a missionary to Burma, he so burned with the desire to preach the gospel, before he had even learned the language, he walked up to a Burman and embraced him. The man went home and reported that he had seen an angel. The living Christ was so radiant in Mr. Judson's countenance that men called him "Mr. Glory-Face." When Christian workers really come to know the love God has given unto them, the Christian gospel will become irresistible. Westminster Teacher
Like the angels who evangelized the shepherds that night, we can be Mr. and Mrs. Glory-Face today. Let the light of God’s “good news” and His “great joy” light up your face today and all season long.
The angel appeared to the shepherds tending sheep on the hillsides outside of Bethlehem to give the announcement of Christ’s birth, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The angel could be the first evangelist recorded in the New Testament. The word used to translate, “I Bring” in Greek is “Evaggelizo,” or “I evangelize to you great joy...” The reason that is significant to us today is because good news and great joy is worth sharing. It is not appropriate to everyone. In fact, the more you share “good news,” the better it gets. The same is true with great joy. The joy of Christ increases and multiplies the more you share it.
The “good news” of Christ and his “great joy” will abound at Grace this morning. Our Bethlehem Breakfast today will not be a solemn or somber gathering. It will be grand and overflowing with the JOY OF THE LORD. Why not? The good news is still the same, “…today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” We gather around the table this morning to rejoice in the fact that Christ Jesus has been born. He is our savior. He has redeemed us from our sins. That is why we experience great joy when we get together.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court for 30 years. His mind, wit and work earned him the unofficial title of "the greatest justice since John Marshall." At one point in his life, Justice Holmes explained his choice of a career by saying: "I might have entered the ministry if certain clergymen I knew had not looked and acted so much like undertakers." Today In The Word, June, 1988, p. 13.
When the angels of the Lord lit up the night sky that night singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14), it was an occasion for celebration and overwhelming joy. It was not an “undertakers” kind of happening, but a festival of delight. That’s what “good news” does. It lifts your spirit. It gives you a piece of God’s heart—HIS JOY.
It is said of Adoniram Judson, when he went as a missionary to Burma, he so burned with the desire to preach the gospel, before he had even learned the language, he walked up to a Burman and embraced him. The man went home and reported that he had seen an angel. The living Christ was so radiant in Mr. Judson's countenance that men called him "Mr. Glory-Face." When Christian workers really come to know the love God has given unto them, the Christian gospel will become irresistible. Westminster Teacher
Like the angels who evangelized the shepherds that night, we can be Mr. and Mrs. Glory-Face today. Let the light of God’s “good news” and His “great joy” light up your face today and all season long.
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