And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:10
I love getting mail. I can usually tell by the envelope what kind of message it is going to contain. It’s easy to distinguish junk mail, a handwritten note from a loved one, or a special announcement or invitation.
It was possible to judge a message in ancient times by the messenger. Kings had two runners assigned during a war – one for good news and one for bad. He could tell what kind of news was coming by who was bringing it. In Roman times, great announcements were heralded with trumpets and fanfare.
The Hebrew word for messenger is malakh. We also translate that angel. The greatest message ever sent was delivered by a fitting messenger. Its importance could not be missed. This angel announced the good news and was then surrounded by a host of angels singing and rejoicing. This is a big deal. In fact, nothing had been announced this way before in the history of humanity.
Fear not
The sight of an angel would be terrifying. These are powerful and awesome beings. They wouldn’t have appeared as the cutesy little images we see decorating our season.
I bring good news of great joy
We recognize certain envelopes that may carry unwelcome news – test results from the doctor, a bill, a legal document. But God's messenger says right away – this is GOOD news.
For all the people
A small group of shepherds received this good news from the messenger – but it is for all of us! Like those shepherds, God wants to use us to spread His Message.
When I see angel decorations this season, I want to be reminded of the importance of the Message that was sent in such a special and powerful way. It is very good news. And it is for everyone.
3 Responses