Good Tidings of Great Joy
In Luke chapter 2, it is written that angels appeared to shepherds at night to announce the birth of the promised Messiah, Jesus. The very fact that these angels were sent to lowly shepherds is fascinating, but even more so is the opening statement found in verse 10, in which an angel declares, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” It is easy to glance over this verse and see it as a simple, joyous introduction. Yet, there is so much more to this opening announcement.
First, the angel says, “Fear not.” Certainly, the shepherds were frightened by what was happening. Imagine: one minute you are squinting your eyes in the night to keep watch over scores of sheep, as some aimlessly graze the field and others slumber, making low, gruff noises. The next minute, you are blinded by a radiant beauty of light. Not even once does the notion of the moon’s reflection cross your mind. As you grasp hold of anything familiar around you, the sound of bleating sheep fades from your ears, and what you hear is the most unusual yet perfect, powerful yet gentle voice you have ever heard. Wouldn’t you be filled with trepidation and wonder?
However, the angel’s words, “Fear not,” were not just to calm the shepherds. They revealed that the coming of Christ was the dispelling of fear itself! All throughout the gospels, Jesus would tell His disciples not to be afraid, but to have faith in Him. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Where faith resides, fear must retreat!
Secondly, the angel said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy.” This is a superlative statement. Literally, he was proclaiming “completely massive, gloriously marvelous, and amazingly delightful news.” Jesus came to bring us abundant life and amazing joy! Where there is faith, fear must flee, and ultimately, joy will grow in its place. Think about this the next time you hear the words “Oh tidings of comfort and joy” from the Christmas song God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Does your daily attitude reveal that your heart has heard and received “good tidings of great joy”?
Finally, I believe the greatest part of the angel’s statement is when he says that the glorious news of Jesus “shall be to all people.” Young or old, rich or poor, it does not matter. God longs for you and everyone else to know of the saving life of Jesus Christ. This message that came to lowly shepherds in a field is the same message that one day came to your longing heart as well. We must not abandon our call as Christians to witness and share the “good tidings of great joy” simply because of fear. Have faith in the power and love of Christ! Be bold in your witness. Seek to reach out to all people, to all nations. Is not Jesus Christ worthy of our witness not just during “Christmastime” but all the time?
