The Beginning of the Good News

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4)

One December, Jeff’s teacher encouraged the parents of her students to share their holiday traditions with her second-grade class. His mother, Caroline, volunteered to explain how our extended family dramatizes the nativity each Christmas Eve. When Jeff’s teacher only wanted secular traditions, Caroline explained that leaving Jesus out would confuse her son, Jeff.

After the teacher reluctantly agreed, Caroline brought a nativity set and several costumes, explaining how the eight cousins dress and act out the story. A new baby in the family plays Baby Jesus, and some little ones are costumed as sheep or a star.

“Christmas is about a birthday party—Jesus’ birthday,” she began. “When Jesus was born, many guests came to His party,” she continued. “Joseph was there, and Jesus’s mother, Mary, was there.” Then Jeff’s baby sister blurted out, “But Joseph isn’t Jesus’ daddy!” and Caroline thought she’d never be asked back again.

“Joseph is Mary’s husband,” Caroline continued as she pulled out a shepherd’s cloak and a Magi’s crown. “The shepherds left their sheep and came to the birthday party, and wise men came bringing gifts.” The children watched in wonder, fascinated with a birthday party so dissimilar to their own. “When Jeff played Baby Jesus in our church Christmas pageant, he was very quiet until the organ played ‘Silent Night,’ and scared him so badly he began screaming.” The children enjoyed the story and laughed.

That year, Caroline bore witness that Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth and introduced some children to the Christ child. The first four authors of the New Testament bear witness of Christ, but from different perspectives and write to different audiences.

Matthew, the Jewish tax collector, emphasizes Jesus as King to an audience of Jews. Missionary Mark emphasizes Christ as Savior, spending almost half of his story in Christ’s last week on earth and addressing an audience of Jewish Christians. Doctor Luke emphasizes Jesus as the Son of Man to Gentiles. John declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” repeatedly declaring how God and Jesus are ONE. Each disciple shares the gospel, or Good News, in his own special way.

In our own special way, each one of us, through our actions and our words, also bring a unique perspective to the re-telling of the Christmas story. The gospel is the greatest gift of Christmas as well as the greatest gift we can share with others. Through our Christmas letter, simple hospitality, decorations and music in our home, invitation to a Christmas event, or perhaps our own neighborhood re-staging of the Christmas story, we can help share the Good News and truth of the Season.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings who proclaim salvation who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

Prayer

God, give me the opportunity to tell someone about Christmas. May I proclaim peace and salvation and bring good tidings to others. Holy Spirit, give me the words to share the Good News. Jesus, may I always be ready to share the good news that You came to earth to save us from our sins and reconcile us to God.