You may be familiar with the phrase “good news” but what does it mean and why is it good?  The angel encouraged the shepherds with these words,

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;  (Luke 2:10)

The angel implies that a proper understanding of the good news results in great joy.  Why is this news good?  The explanation is given in the next verse,

for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:11)

Let’s look at the three words the angel used in describing Jesus who was the reason for this announcement of good news.  First, we see that Jesus is described as a Savior.  We were dead in our trespasses and sins, unable to save ourselves and Jesus saved us from our sins,

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  (Romans 5:8)

Think about that – you’ve been saved from the penalty of sin.  We don’t fully appreciate the significance of the good news until we comprehend the severity of the bad news.  But you have not only been saved from sin’s penalty but also from its power.  Jesus is described as the Christ – the Messiah.  The Messiah is the anointed one who would grant His people freedom over the power of sin,

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners;  (Isaiah 61:1)

Consider the implications of that passage – He is able to heal your broken heart and bring you freedom!  He is described not only as our Savior and Christ, but also as our Lord.  Lord is a title of honor expressive of respect and reverence.  This was used when servants would greet their master and it is also a title used of God.  The angelic chorus then joined in with a note of encouragement to the shepherds,

This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”  (Luke 2:12-14)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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