Make Known the Good News!

“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them…” (Luke 2: 17-18, ESV)

“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!”

Remember the days of the newsboy shouting out the headlines and urging people to buy the most recent edition of the newspaper? Most of us haven’t lived through that time period, before television and the internet, but have at least watched it in old movies.

During this month of December, the news headlines have been “shouting out” about the much anticipated Covid-19 vaccine. And for good reason! People are eager to gain immunity from this virus that has wreaked havoc in the world.

For me, this year was a reminder of how little we actually control in life and how truly needy we are. Even more than a vaccine, we need the “breaking news” of God’s Grace and Mercy – the best headline of all – Our Savior has come!

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.” (Luke 2:8-9).

I love that the angel of the Lord first appears to and proclaims Jesus’ birth to lowly shepherds. By worldly standards, shepherds were hard -working yet unremarkable folks, spending most of their time tending their needy sheep. Yet God even called Himself the Good Shepherd, and we the sheep of His pasture. And He chose to announce His “Breaking News!” to them:

“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).

The shepherds didn’t waste time in responding to this amazing news. They went with haste “to see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they didn’t stop there. After finding Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger, they “made known the saying that had been told them.”

I wonder how the shepherds made known the good news of the Savior’s birth? Did they run the dusty streets of the town, telling everyone they met? Were they rejected and laughed at? They certainly had people wondering at what they said (Luke 2:18)!

In our world today this news may seem like old news. Or that Christmas is all about feeling good and exchanging fancy gifts. But the true gift to us is Jesus!

What if we challenge ourselves this week to make known the good news - the true reason we celebrate Christmas – with at least one person, whether it is our family or a neighbor. If you are not able to gather “in person”, maybe write it in a card or call them on the phone. Perhaps reading out loud from Luke 2:1-20 – the Christmas Story – can be a new tradition for your family. I know every year our family looks forward to “Grandma” reading this to us!

And may this Christmas be a time of joy as you celebrate the gift of our Savior. He is Good News for all people. Merry Christmas!