“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 2:10-11
Scripture reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
It’s great to receive good news. “The cancer is gone!” “Your son will survive!” “An anonymous donor paid your tuition!” Good news received and believed, floods you with gladness and gratitude. It produces joy.
God’s messenger shouted to the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” God ordained that the good news would produce great joy in them.
This brings us back to Isaiah 52:7-8a: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ The voice of your watchmen – they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy.”
Imagine it. The king marches out to face a terrible foe. Back in the city, the watchmen and citizens wait to hear the outcome with a mixture of hope and dread. Their fate lies in the hands of their king
A herald comes running. The watchmen spot him in the distance. Soon, he’s within earshot and hollers, “Our king won! Our king reigns!” The watchmen erupt with relief and joy. Then they pass the good news on to the citizens of the city.
The angel here is the herald. The shepherds are the watchmen who hear the good news. It is good news that floods them with great joy. It is also good news “for all the people.” They need to pass it on. And so do we.
Suggestions for prayer
Thank God for declaring to you the good news of Christ and His redeeming grace. Pray for grace, boldness and opportunity to pass it on like the shepherds did.
Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
