Good Tidings

While the shepherds watched their flocks that night, the Lord’s angel appeared, and the radiance of Yahweh’s glory surrounded them, breaking the darkness. The angelic messenger said not to fear; his news of great joy was for everyone: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). They would recognize the swaddled baby, finding Him in a manger. Then suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host joined the angel of the Lord in praising God. When they returned to heaven, the shepherds left their sheep, and looking inside stable, after stable, found Christ the Lord, just as the angel said and worshiped Him. They were the first preachers to proclaim the Good News of Christ to others (v. 17).

Jesus came, making peace between God and humanity and forgiveness of sins possible. He broke the power of darkness, calling out to all, not as a baby, but as the risen Savior of the world, offering salvation, eternal life with Him to all people. But His offer isn’t yours until you receive God’s gift. By accepting and unwrapping the most precious, priceless, and matchless gift of His only Son, Jesus, the Father adopts you into His family, and the gift of everlasting life is yours.