A Painted Advent | With Smithsonian & Olympic Artist Ron DicianniSample

Good News

Someone once said, “When God seems to be doing nothing, He's doing something.” The Shepherds of two millennia ago identified with this sentiment. Unaware that the single greatest miracle of all time was about to emerge from the womb of a young girl named Mary, it is doubtful that the Shepherds were dressed for the occasion. Chances are they were prepared for another lonely night on a Judean hillside with only sheep as company. Instead they received the angelic song of heaven in announcing the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Even shepherds knew the significance of the announcement. The Messiah was here. The birth of just any baby would not have motivated them to leave the flock they were tending.

What the angels told them was earth shaking: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior (Messiah) has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord” (LUK 2:10-11). 

What was the result of such an announcement? This baby grew up to show us God incarnate. By his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus gave us something much more than another philosophy. He showed us the way to the Father as the only Way, Truth, and Life.