Luke 2: 1-7 (King James Version)
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men".
2000 years ago, God sent an angel to bring tidings of great JOY. Angels have filled a very important place in the plan and purpose of God. When God wanted to announce the coming of a Saviour, He sent an angel to do it. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness angels ministered to Him. When He agonized in Gethsemane an angel cam and strengthened Him. On the day of His resurrection an angel announced His triumph over death. When He returns again in power and great glory, His angels will again be with Him.
First of all, there was Tidings of Salvation. The gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. The good news that though sin drove man from fellowship with God, he now could be reconciled to God. The good news of the gospel is that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. That is GOOD news! Good news of GREAT JOY! The joy of knowing that we can have forgiveness of sin. Jesus was born to die that through His death we might have life. He was rich yet for our sakes He became poor that we through His poverty might become rich. If a person has Jesus in their hearts, they have all that really matters. They are rich. The individual who turns away Jesus and His salvation is poor indeed.
Divine Healing is included in The Good Tidings. The good news of the gospel includes healing not only for the soul but also for the body. The power, blessings and benefits of the gospel overflows the soul and makes provision for the whole man. Jesus is not only the Saviour but, He is The Great Physician. He encourages us to come to Him for healing and deliverance. Though things are impossible with man, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD. There is no physical need too great for Him to heal. He forgiveth all of our iniquities and He heals all of our diseases. Certainly that is good TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
Let's not by-pass the good tidings of our blessed hope. There remains a great event of God's calendar, His return, His second coming. When Jesus, the Christ of Christmas, who was born in the flesh at Bethlehem, crucified on a cross and rose from the dead to live forever more and ascended to the right hand of The Father...this same Jesus... "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The great air lift of the redeemed will be a reality!
If this even should happen today,
would you be ready?
What great JOY there is in knowing that our sins have been forgiven. What great JOY to experience the power, blessings and benefits of the gospel in every area of our lives. How joyous it is to have this blessed hope and comfort that He will one day return for His children.
How sad though, to be left behind on that great day. How said to miss the trumpet call of good tidings .
Please don't turn a deaf ear to
the good TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
Be a wise man and seek Jesus until you find Him. When the shepherds of old, "made haste" and found Jesus, they returned glorifying and praising God. You will do the same when you really find Jesus. GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY are yours when you find Jesus and embrace His gospel.
We should never allow these
good tidings to become and old story!
(Rev.David A. Raynor Sr.Originally preached on 12/20/1981 - Avon, NC)
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