Dear Ones:
The words “Good Tidings” are wonderful words. They declare unto us that which is not only wholesome, and intrinsically contributing to the welfare of the recipient, but in this case, the very declaration from God that what He promises He will do. In Isaiah 40:9, we see the declaration: “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up in to the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, ‘BEHOLD YOUR GOD.'” Now, about six or seven hundred years later, in a field outside of Bethlehem, we hear the same words, this time spoken not by the prophet but by angels: “…Fear not: for, behold, I bring you GOOD TIDINGS of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10) The objective of this greeting, and declaration, to the shepherds in the field, is the same as it was hundreds of years previously…”For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” (v.11) The good tidings is that something wonderful, intrinsically good, and for the present and eternal blessing of those who hear the tidings…it is that God reveals Himself, to be seen by faith, and at the time of the shepherd’s visitation, lying in a manger. These glad tidings have a monumental potential impact on the lives of those who hear them, for in that declaration is the revelation of the love, goodness, wisdom, and purpose of God. In that purpose, God declares that it is His will to meet man, where he is, in the state that he is. But in that meeting, there will be change, for one cannot “see”God without being changed.
The child Jesus will grow, and be equipped with the Spirit of God, “…the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord…” (Is. 11:2) He will be so equipped, and anointed by God the Father, so as “…to preach GOOD TIDINGS unto the meek; …to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” (Is. 61:1) This One is equipped in this way to not only reveal to us the ways of God, but the very essence of His word and blessing. What is the result? “…to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” (v.3) Now, is this not good news? Is this not what God will do for the one who truly “beholds” Him in faith? The good tidings declared by Isaiah echo down the ages through that field near Bethlehem, in order to resound in our hearts and minds today. O believe the word that is TRUE…the glad tidings have been declared by our Maker and Redeemer to change us all…for His glory and for our highest good.
Love, Dad