The Joy of Good News

Imagine a moment in the hills of ancient Bethlehem with me. A lowly shepherd named Avi lived a life marked by suffering. His parents were taken from him when he was only a boy, and he quickly learned how unforgiving the world could be.

For a moment, life offered him a glimpse of happiness when he met Leah, a kind-hearted woman who, like him, longed for peace and love. Their marriage filled Avi with hope, and soon after, they were blessed with a son. For a short time, Avi believed perhaps life was turning in his favor. But their poor living conditions took their toll, and their son grew sick, eventually succumbing to illness. His death shattered them both, but Leah was broken beyond repair. Though she still loved Avi, the grief weighed so heavily on her heart that one day, she quietly left, unable to endure her sorrow any longer.

Avi never remarried. The losses piled up—his parents, his son, and now his beloved wife. He turned inward, choosing solitude, and found refuge in tending his sheep. Shepherding was the one thing that brought him peace, the one thing he could do right. In the simplicity of caring for his flock, he found some solace, and in the company of other shepherds, he found a few friends who could relate to the struggles of life.

Around their fires at night, the shepherds would speak of their hardships, not just as lowly shepherds but as people under the cruel rule of the Romans. Still, one thing kept them going: hope. Hope that one day, the Messiah would come and deliver them from their suffering. Avi clung to the ancient prophecies, especially those of Daniel, which spoke of the Ancient of Days. But with every passing year, that hope seemed to slip further away, like a fading dream.

Avi watched his friends grow old and die, never seeing the promised freedom. Rome’s grip grew tighter. Yet, through all the pain and uncertainty, they continued to pray and hope, even when it felt like heaven had been silent for centuries.

Then, one night, everything changed.

Avi was tending his sheep under the quiet, starry sky when suddenly, a radiant light pierced the darkness. His heart raced as he looked up, and there before him was an angel, mighty and glowing. The ground trembled as the angel’s voice echoed through the night: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

At that moment, Avi felt something stir within him—something he hadn’t felt in years. A flicker of hope, long buried beneath the weight of sorrow, came alive again.

Can you imagine Avi’s joy? Tears of gratitude streamed down his weathered face. After a lifetime filled with disappointment and grief, here, at last, was good news. No, it wasn’t just good news—it was the best news he had ever heard. The kind of news that would change his story and history forever.

Avi’s unique story is not found in Scripture, but I think many of us have shards of Avi’s story in our lives. After walking through life filled with struggle and disappointment, we heard the good news, and we believed. The beauty is that after thousands of years, millions of lives have been transformed by that same angelic message: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.”

And so, during this Christmas season, I remind you that the voice of the angel still echoes through time, and his message is as true today as it was on that holy night: “I bring good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” I encourage you to hold on to the truth that this good news of great joy is meant for you and me.

Questions for Thought

1. How do you share your own burdens and hopes with others? In what ways does community help to strengthen your faith and keep hope alive?
2. The angel’s message was for “all people,” yet we often struggle to believe that good news applies to us personally. Do you truly believe that the joy and salvation of Christ are meant for you? If not, what’s holding you back from accepting that truth?

Daily Challenge

This Christmas season, take time to reflect on how the “good news” of Christ’s birth can bring renewed joy and hope into your life, even if you’re facing difficulties. Challenge yourself to share this joy with others by spreading the message of Christ’s love and salvation in your community, family, or among friends.