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 (Luke 2:10-11)
The message of the coming of Jesus Christ into this world is indeed “good tidings of great joy”. Our world is full of bad, negative news that bring sadness. They now come in such deluge that most people don’t even care anymore. Most people in our world are sad; they lack the joy of the Lord. Because of what the enemy is doing in their lives, they are full of sorrow. Here comes the news: Jesus Christ our Redeemer, the Prince of Peace is born. He is the Victor of Calvary who has vanquished all our foes. He is the one who died and rose again to justify us from all our sins. He is the one who has delivered us from all our enemies. He is the one who has given us eternal life and brought us into fellowship with God. He is the one who has rescued us from eternal destruction. He is the first and the last: He that liveth, and was dead, and is alive for evermore, and has the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:17-18).
This message is music to the soul of every man. It beams the light of God’s glory into every soul that opens up to receive it, effectively keeping darkness out forever. It deals with the deep seated fear of eternity that has been part of man from ages past, that has given birth to every superstition, insecurity and religion. There is no salvation in religion: only in Christ. There is no redemption by good works: only in Christ. There is no hope of a glorious eternity by any other means: only in Christ.
There is no forgiveness of sin and release from guilt: only in Christ. There is no deliverance from the fearful judgment of God that is coming upon the whole world: only in Christ. God the Father has said: “This is my beloved Son: hear him” (Mk. 9:7). Jesus Christ Himself said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (Jn. 14:6). The Holy Spirit said, through the Apostles of Christ: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Whosoever believes this message will be truly saved. He will partake of the great joy unspeakable and full of glory that belongs to those who believe in Christ. Time and eternity will justify the wisdom of his reliance on the only Redeemer of mankind. Whosoever rejects this message of Christ has made himself the enemy of the cross, the enemy of God, and there is no hope of salvation, but “a fearful looking judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries” (Heb. 10:27).
Have you been saved by receiving this Redeemer into your heart? If yes, let us not only rejoice in believing; let us rejoice to labour, to spend and to be spent, that this glad tidings of great joy shall get across to all people all over the world, because the news is for all people. If not, then do not gamble with your soul. The Redeemer is knocking at the door of your heart. If you welcome Him in today, you will rejoice for ever.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Rev. 3:20).
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
MATTHEW 1
FOR FURTHER STUDIES
ACTS 4
PRAYER POINTS:
- Give thanks to God that you have heard the joyful sound.
- Pray that the Lord will use you to spread this good news all over the world.
- Ask for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, to be more effective in kingdom service.
Confession for Today: The Redeemer has come! Glory be to God in the highest.
Nations’ Watch: Pray for Burkina Faso