Our Daily Bread Christmas: Gift Of GraceNäide

Good News! World news bombards us from the Internet, television, radio, and mobile devices. The majority seems to describe what’s wrong—crime, terrorism, war, and economic woes. Yet there are times when good news invades the darkest hours of sadness and despair—stories of unselfish acts, a medical breakthrough, or steps toward peace in war-scarred places.

The words of two men recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible brought great hope to people weary of conflict. While describing God’s coming judgment on a ruthless and powerful nation, Nahum said, “Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news! He is bringing a message of peace” (Nah. 1:15). That news brought hope to all those oppressed by cruelty. A similar phrase occurs in in the book of Isaiah—“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation” (Isa. 52:7).

Nahum and Isaiah’s prophetic words of hope found their ultimate fulfillment at the first Christmas when the angel told the shepherds, “Don’t be afraid... I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:10–11). The most important headline in our lives every day is the very best news ever spoken—Christ the Savior is born! —David McCasland

God’s love came alive at Bethlehem.