GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY

Dr Luke wrote, ‘The Gospel according to Luke’ and ‘The Acts of the Apostles.’  He is noted for his classical Greek writing and historical accuracy.

It was Matthew who records the visit of the wise men to the child Jesus when He was probably over a year old ( see Matthew chapter 2 ).  But it was Luke who describes the delightful story of Joseph and Mary arriving at Bethlehem exactly at the time of the Roman census.  The arrival of this ‘King of the Jews’ when Jesus was born, meant the beginning of the end of the Roman rule exactly as foretold by Jacob over a thousand years before when he said, “The (Roman) sceptre would depart when Shiloh (the Prince of peace) comes.” [ Genesis 49:10 ]  About 33 years later the Jews unwittingly confirmed this ancient prophesy when they cried out at the crucifixion, “We have no king but Caesar!”

All these facts and many more, confirm that when shepherds saw and heard an angel it was no fairy story.  Neither was there any fiction in the words of the angel when he said, “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people, for unto you is born this day … a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”  The word gospel means, “Good tidings of great joy.”  This great news is about a Saviour and what a wonderful word this is!  A lifeboat or a helicopter saves people and we rejoice!  But there’s only one Saviour who can forgive our sin and put us on the road to heaven.

By dying on the cross Jesus can save us from the guilt of sin and through His resurrection from the tomb He can give us power over immorality, swearing, lying, stealing and all the demons of hell.  Repent now and receive this greatest of all Christmas presents!