“Good Tidings Of Great Joy”

Aside from Mary and Joseph, God announced the birth of His Son to shepherds in the fields. In fact, according to Matthew 2:3, when the Jews heard about it, they were troubled. Herod feared his kingdom was threatened, hence he massacred innocent babies to get to Jesus. The prophet Malachi had said that in all the world God’s name will be magnified. He announced to the shepherds and said it was joy to “all people” in the world.

Luke 2:10‭-‬11 (NKJV) says that,

“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

https://livingourbible.wordpress.com/2023/12/23/let-it-be-to-me-according-to-your-word/

There are two important lessons we can pick from the text:

#1. The Angelic Visitation

“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid”

God’s angel visited the shepherds. These were ordinary people minding their own business, but God was sending a very important message that His redemption was staged from the Jews to the rest of humanity. It was not only for Jews. Sincethe sin of Adam ravaged humanity, salvation was meant for humanity as well. He visited them and allayed their fears. When angels visit, they come in the name of the Lord.

#2. The Angelic Message 

“I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The angel’s message was clear and concise: salvation has come to humanity and it’s a source of great joy. Whereas sin and disobedience brings death, salvation brings joy and life. Just as I noted above, salvation through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race and not only for Jews. Therefore, the angel said, this great joy is to all people. Salvation is for those who are far and near.

The angel declared to Mary that the Son to be born will save His people from their sins. We see here that the Son born was the saviour. How does he save us? Well, if we repent of our sins, He will not cast us away but will grant us eternal life. The best news on earth is salvation for sinners who cannot save themselves.