Good Tidings of Great Joy – The Saviour Is Born

Key Scripture:
“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 (KJV) ​

The Message of Great Joy

When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem, a glorious message was declared: “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” ​
In the city of David, that very day, a Saviour was born — Christ the Lord — sent by God for sinners like us, to bring forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. ​

Though the Son of God came in humility, laid in a manger, heaven recognized the greatness of this moment, for God’s salvation had entered the world in human form. ​
What the world did not greatly celebrate, heaven celebrated with unspeakable joy.

Heaven’s Praise and Earth’s Peace

“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.”
Luke 2:13–14 (KJV) ​

The birth of Jesus turned the dark night sky over Bethlehem into a place of worship, as a multitude of the heavenly host praised God. ​
They proclaimed glory to God in the highest and announced peace on earth and God’s good will toward men through this newborn Saviour. ​

True peace does not begin in circumstances, but in the heart that receives Christ the Lord by faith, trusting in His finished work. ​
Where Christ is welcomed, the peace of God begins to rule.

The Shepherds Seek and See the Saviour

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,
Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”
Luke 2:15 (KJV) ​

The shepherds were first afraid when the glory of the Lord shone round about them, but they did not remain in fear. ​
They believed the message, encouraged one another, and went in haste to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had made known to them. ​

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:16 KJV) ​
They personally saw the Saviour, just as it had been told them, and their experience confirmed the truth they had heard. ​

Testifying and Treasuring the Good News

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”
Luke 2:17 (KJV) ​

The shepherds did not keep this glorious news to themselves; they shared it widely, and all who heard it wondered at their words. ​
Those who truly meet Jesus will desire to make Him known to others.

“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19 KJV) ​
Mary quietly treasured every word and every event in her heart, while the shepherds returned, “glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.” (Luke 2:20 KJV) ​

May we also treasure Christ in the heart and testify of Him with our lips.

Personal Application: Taste and See

The Lord invites each one personally to experience His goodness:
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
Psalm 34:8 (KJV) ​

Like the shepherds, we are not called to remain in fear or distance, but to come near, to seek Christ, to behold Him, and to trust in Him as our Saviour. ​
His birth is not only a historical event but a living message of hope, joy, and salvation for every repentant heart today. ​

Closing Prayer (For Readers)

Prayer:

O loving Heavenly Father,
Thank Thee for sending Thine only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, into this world for sinners like me.
Thank Thee for the good tidings of great joy which Thou didst first reveal to the shepherds, and which Thou hast made known to my heart today.
Lord Jesus, I believe that Thou camest to shed Thy precious blood to cleanse me from all my sins and to make me holy.
Help me to remain in Thy salvation, to walk in Thy ways, and to glorify Thy holy name all the days of my life.
In the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ I pray.
Amen.