GOOD NEWS

The shepherds were just doing their job out on the hillside when the startling angelic announcement lit up the night sky, 

“Fear not! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11 

We know the story.  We hear it every year around this time. Maybe so often that the wonder of the message is lost amidst the items on this season’s “to do list.” So much to do. Little time. And even less energy. As I considered the message this verse came to mind: 

“As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.” Proverbs 25:25

How fitting! God’s good news was delivered by an angel from a far country, an angel who worshipped at the very throne of God in Heaven! THAT news refreshes weary souls today like no other news possibly could. God’s GOOD news brings peace to the troubled soul and joy – “Great joy” - to all people if we will believe it. 

Reflect on the words of this hymn, penned by Helen Howarth Lemmel in 1922.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus   

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?

There's light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

His word shall not fail you He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

So this Christmas, let’s look long into the wonderful face of the Savior, remembering that the baby in the manger was the One who came from the glory of a far country bringing salvation to a world hopelessly lost. HE is Christ the Lord!

Joy and Peace,
Ruth