Good Tidings of Great Joy
Years ago I used to listen to a radio station called “Good News Radio,” but when it was time for the news, there was nothing good about the murder, rape, fires and accidents that were being reported. When the Angels announced to the shepherds that they were bringing good news of great joy, it was truly good news (Lk 2:10). They actually brought the happiest news since the creation of man; a savior being born to us in the city of Bethlehem!
Most people do not understand the significance of good news unless they have a near death experience. For instance, someone is dying of an incurable disease and the doctor tells the patient they found a cure for the ailment. Now that’s good news! There is a real example of good news in the Book of Acts, chapter 27 starting with verse 21. The Apostle Paul, lost at sea for many days in a ship with hundreds of other people, gets the news from the Angel of God that they will be saved, and will get to their destination without any loss of life. Human examples are numerous but none of them can truly convey how great the news of our salvation is; it is forever!!!
In one of my previous posts I wrote about a thankful heart being a happy heart. This idea is not complicated at all. If a child is grateful for his parent’s love, affection, and care, then that child is happy. The purpose of the Christ’s good news is to bring joy to our lives. When I think of Jesus’ love, mercy, and care for me, it makes my heart so thankful. Jesus said I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly, here and in eternity (Jn 10:10)!
The Apostle John repeatedly declares the reason he wrote to us was so our joy would be complete (1Jn 1:4). The Apostle Paul, while in prison, urges us to rejoice in the Lord always (Ph 4:4). Last but not least, we are told in plain English that The Joy of the Lord is our strength (Ne 8:10). So here's the formula to happiness, when the devil tries to bug you in any way, begin counting your blessings and offer thanks to Christ. His joy will take over your heart and give you the strength to defeat the devil. I know it sounds simple, but it works.
Most people do not understand the significance of good news unless they have a near death experience. For instance, someone is dying of an incurable disease and the doctor tells the patient they found a cure for the ailment. Now that’s good news! There is a real example of good news in the Book of Acts, chapter 27 starting with verse 21. The Apostle Paul, lost at sea for many days in a ship with hundreds of other people, gets the news from the Angel of God that they will be saved, and will get to their destination without any loss of life. Human examples are numerous but none of them can truly convey how great the news of our salvation is; it is forever!!!
In one of my previous posts I wrote about a thankful heart being a happy heart. This idea is not complicated at all. If a child is grateful for his parent’s love, affection, and care, then that child is happy. The purpose of the Christ’s good news is to bring joy to our lives. When I think of Jesus’ love, mercy, and care for me, it makes my heart so thankful. Jesus said I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly, here and in eternity (Jn 10:10)!
The Apostle John repeatedly declares the reason he wrote to us was so our joy would be complete (1Jn 1:4). The Apostle Paul, while in prison, urges us to rejoice in the Lord always (Ph 4:4). Last but not least, we are told in plain English that The Joy of the Lord is our strength (Ne 8:10). So here's the formula to happiness, when the devil tries to bug you in any way, begin counting your blessings and offer thanks to Christ. His joy will take over your heart and give you the strength to defeat the devil. I know it sounds simple, but it works.
posted by Rev. Alfred Batarse, PhD. | 9:58 AM
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