We Need The Good News of Christmas

Dr. Glenn Mollette

We never get a break from bad news. In recent days we have heard of people being killed at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. There have been more school shootings from Brown University to Kentucky State University. Russia continues to bomb Ukraine and groceries continue to assault Americans’ pocketbooks.

Yet, at Christmas time the overriding theme is good news. In a world of so much bad news comes the holiday of good news. The angel who appeared to the Shepherds who were watching their flock said, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord,” Luke 2:10-11.

The central person of the good news is Jesus. He is the one the angels celebrated. His birth gave them reason to appear and make the wonderful announcement that brought joy to the shepherds and all who would be impacted by the birth of Jesus.

This Christmas you are probably one of many who welcomes good news. Maybe you have buried a wife, a husband or a child. At times, the loneliness and grief are unbearable and you wonder how you will ever survive your missing loved one. People are suffering financial stress from the cost of everyday living   Sickness invades our lives at one time or another impacting us or someone we love. Life is filled with stressful situations that often rob us of peace.

The good news of Christmas is God has come in the flesh to love us, walk with us and bring joy that nothing or no one else can give. Jesus said “My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, but give I unto you,” John 14:27.

This Christmas there is much to focus on. You can spend your day focused on the Democrats or the Republicans. You can focus on our President or members of Congress. You can focus on all that you do not have or all that you wish you did not have. You can focus on your situation, your age, your health or you can focus on everyone else. Will this bring you joy?

Do not focus on regrets. Do not focus on mistakes, problems, old habits or sins. Jesus came to help us overcome all of these and more. Because of his life, death and resurrection we have a Savior who has given us every reason to look up and forward instead of down and back.

Jesus told his disciples in John 16:33, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.”

While the media is filled with bad news, take heart, the message of Christmas is good news. Therefore, as Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” May we all be filled with the good news of the great story of Christmas.