Living Water #478

LIVING WATER EPISODE 478 || 25TH SEPTEMBER, 2025

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:10–12

"But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’"

The shepherds on that quiet night outside Bethlehem were the first to hear heaven’s announcement of the birth of Jesus. They were ordinary men, often overlooked by society, yet the angel of the Lord came to them with the greatest news in history. This passage shows us the heart of the Christmas message: God’s gift of salvation is not wrapped in fear, but in joy. It is not hidden for a few, but revealed for all. And it comes not through earthly power, but through a humble Savior lying in a manger.

1. The Message of Peace Over Fear:

The angel’s first words were, “Do not be afraid.” Fear is often our first response to the unexpected, and these shepherds were overwhelmed by the glory of God shining around them. But the Christmas message begins with peace. God does not want His people to live in fear, but in faith and assurance of His love. Just as the shepherds were told not to fear, we too are called to lay down our anxieties, our uncertainties, and our doubts. Christ’s coming means that peace has entered our world;  peace between God and man, and peace within our troubled hearts.

2. The Good News That Brings Great Joy:

The angel declared, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” The birth of Jesus is not just an event in history; it is the Gospel;  the good news that God has not abandoned us, but has come to redeem us. This news is not just for a privileged few, but for all people; shepherds, kings, Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, and everyone in between. The joy it brings is not temporary happiness, but lasting joy rooted in God’s presence and salvation. Christmas reminds us that joy is not found in gifts, decorations, or circumstances, but in Christ Himself.

3. The Savior, the Messiah, the Lord:

The angel’s words are profound: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” In this one sentence, we hear the fullness of who Jesus is. He is the Savior; the one who rescues us from sin and death. He is the Messiah; the promised Christ, the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises. He is the Lord;  not just a child in a manger, but the divine King who rules forever. This means that Christmas is not simply about the birth of a baby, but about the arrival of God’s plan of salvation in human form.

4. The Humble Sign of God’s Glory:

The angel gave a sign: “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” What a contrast! The Savior of the world was not born in a palace but laid in a feeding trough. God chose the humble path to show us that His glory is not found in status or wealth, but in His love and presence among the lowly. The manger teaches us that God identifies with the poor, the broken, and the overlooked. The shepherds could approach this King without intimidation, because He came in humility. So too, we can draw near to Him today with confidence, knowing that He came close to us.

The angel’s message to the shepherds is still God’s message to us: Do not be afraid. Rejoice, for good news has come. A Savior is born, and His name is Jesus, the Messiah, the Lord. He brings peace to troubled hearts, joy to all people, and salvation to the world. This Christmas, may we not only hear the announcement, but respond as the shepherds did, by seeking Him, worshiping Him, and sharing the good news with others.

Call to Action:

Make room for Jesus in your heart this season. Let His peace replace your fear, His joy fill your soul, and His Lordship guide your life. And just as the shepherds spread the word, go and share the good news of Christ with those around you.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for the good news of great joy that Jesus has been born. Thank You for sending a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Replace our fears with Your peace, fill our hearts with lasting joy, and help us to walk humbly with You. May we, like the shepherds, go out and proclaim the good news so that others may know the hope of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.