The Angelic Announcement of Joy, the Long Promised Savior

Luke 2:8-10, NKJV

On the night of the birth of our Savior in the city of Bethlehem, “there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night” (v.8). The shepherds had a visit from “an angel of the Lord.” “The glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid” (v.9). When one of God’s angels stands before us, radiating God’s glorious presence, it’s a certainty that we will be terrified. Our loving Father’s response to these lowly shepherds was “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (v.10). Then the angel said to them, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (v.11). The angelic announcement of the birth of Christ Jesus as the Savior, the Messiah, of the world was “good news of great joy.” The great joy – the long promised Savior of the world – had arrived. His arrival meant that the whole world had the opportunity to be saved from their sins. Now ain’t that good news!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Will you humble yourself today and give up your selfishness for Christ’s selflessness? Let your response be that you accept Jesus, God’s great joy to the whole world.