Not too long ago the newspaper and evening news were two major ways people got their news, but the internet has changed all of that. It is becoming more prevalent for people to get their news on Facebook, Twitter, or even YouTube. Yet, with all of today’s technology we have never received news like it was communicated over 2,000 years ago. The Apostle Luke records the story (Luke 2:1-20). Can you imagine being one of the shepherds out in the field the night an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:9)? The angel appeared with a very important message, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord ” (Luke 2:9-11). The news the angel shared was a newsworthy event.
This newsworthy event that was first proclaimed in the fields within the vicinity of Bethlehem is newsworthy because of who was born and why He was born. Jesus, the Son of God, was born to the virgin Mary in the town of Bethlehem, born in a lowly stable and placed in a feeding trough. Yet what may have looked on the exterior like an ordinary birth was, in reality, an extraordinary birth—making this particular birth a newsworthy event.
It is news worth rejoicing over. Luke writes, 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 among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14). When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us” (Luke 2:15). Their response after they had seen Jesus is worth noting: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:20).
The angels and the shepherds rejoiced at the birth of Jesus. Like the angels and the shepherds we can celebrate Jesus’ birth. Although His birth was long ago we still celebrate because of its implication for our lives. As the song reminds us, He came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the earth to the cross our debt to pay, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky. We need to lift His name on high!
It is news worth repeating. Luke tells us, And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them (Luke 2:16-18). The shepherds could not keep what they had seen to themselves—they had to share with others.
Like the shepherds, we too must tell the good news to everyone who will listen. The good news? ”Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Luke also recorded Jesus’ final words before He went back to heaven: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Christians are to be Christ’s witnesses, repeating this good news.
It is news worth remembering. Luke writes, Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19). Mary treasured and pondered this news. No doubt, she remembered the events of that night for the rest of her life. During this Christmas season, we can take time to remember Jesus’ birth and how it impacts our lives. We can also keep Jesus at the forefront of our thoughts every day.
This news story was worth rejoicing over, worth repeating and worth remembering because of its implication for the whole world. Jesus came to earth to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). John reminds us that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). So, this was no ordinary birth because this was no ordinary baby. This baby was a Savior, Christ the Lord, the Son of God. Jesus grew up and ultimately died on a cross, paying in full the payment for the sin of the whole world, and then resurrecting the third day. Those who acknowledge their sin and need of a Savior, and who by faith accept Jesus’ work on their behalf will be saved from death. The Apostle Paul reminds us, God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
The birth of Christ was newsworthy because of who He was and why He came, so let’s rejoice, let’s repeat, and let’s remember this good and joyful news!
