“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'” (Luke 2:10)
Most of the time, we’re waiting on good news of some kind. We’re checking our inboxes, hoping for the call or the text, and scrolling our social media feeds. Maybe we’re waiting on something monumental, or perhaps just a little happy moment.
What good news are you waiting for?
The announcement of a milestone moment in a loved one’s life? The baby to be born? The job offer or promotion? A notification from the airline that the price dropped and now you can afford that vacation? Amazon to say the package has arrived?
Sometimes we wait for a long time for a particular piece of good news. Other times we don’t realize we were waiting until the moment arrives and we feel realize we’ve switched from anticipation to rejoicing.
When Jesus came, people like Anna and Simeon who had been waiting a long time rejoiced in the promise at last come true. Others, like the Shepherds, were struck with surprise.
But the good news was good for all, and it still is.
Whatever good news we’re waiting for or will simply rejoice in when it’s announced, it’s just a small taste of the good news declared on the first Christmas.
We call good news “good” when it:
- Meets a desire or need
- Changes something for the better
- Gives us hope for the future
Considering the criteria, Jesus is the ultimate good news!
[bctt tweet=”Jesus is the ultimate good news!” username=”PatHolbrook @BethanyMcIlrath”]
His promises and presence meet our deepest desires and needs. His life, death, and resurrection changed everything for the better, making the way for us to have a personal relationship with God. Jesus gives us such hope for the future that whatever we struggle with today, we can look ahead with courage and anticipation that all will be good in the end.
The good news of Jesus can change how we wait today.
Thinking about some good news I’m hoping and praying for lately, the good news of great joy announced back in Bethlehem changes how I wait. I don’t have to wait cynically, because my greatest needs and desires are already met in Christ. If it seems nothing is changing for the better, I can trust God is making everything new in the everlasting way that matters most. Maybe the future looks scary and challenging to me, but what’s guaranteed in Christ is worth rejoicing in!
How about you? When you consider the good news of Christ, how does the way you wait for other good news change?
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[bctt tweet=”LINKUP is open. Join my friend @bethanymcilrath to rejoice in the good news of Christ and consider how He changes the way you’re waiting for other good news this Christmas. Share your blog! #RechargeWednesday” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Love this, Bethany! So thankful Jesus is the ultimate good news, even when I’m waiting!
So thankful, too, Karen! Merry Christmas!!
The good news of the gospel provides context for all my waiting, for it folds all my small, temporal hopes into the great hope of all things being resolved for good according to His definition of goodness.
Beautifully said, Michele. Amen! Merry Christmas!
Knowing that God keeps His promises “in the fullness of time” helps me trust Him with the rest of my needs.
Me too, Barbara. He is so trustworthy! Merry Christmas!
Bethany, Jesus is the best news. In Him we have all we need. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Amen! Thanks, Debbie! Merry Christmas to you and yours too!
I appreciate this Truth, Bethany, “I don’t have to wait cynically, because my greatest needs and desires are already met in Christ. I can trust God is making everything new in the everlasting way that matters most.”
Thanks, Lisa. What a gift that we can wait in hope. Merry Christmas!
There is no better news.
Amen! Merry Christmas, Calvonia!
He is such good news. Clinging to Him.
He is indeed. Merry Christmas, Lauren!
Fantastic post Bethany, I’m so blessed to have read this today. Simply touching. Blessings and merry Christmas to you and yours.
Visiting today from #7
Thanks so much, Paula! Merry Christmas to you and yours, too!