And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
It's one of those good news-bad news stories.
The good news is there are signs the recession is coming to an end. The bad news is unemployment remains near 10 percent and home foreclosures continue to rise.
The good news is retail sales rose faster than they have in three and a half years. The bad news is retailers are thinking Christmas this year isn't going to be so good.
So there you have it folks. It's still September and you've just started reading the first Christmas devotion.
Understand that talking about Christmas this early wasn't my idea. I just do devotions about what I read in the papers and I can tell you, the sellers of stuff are already talking about how bad Christmas is going to be this year.
Maybe you feel that way, too. It's possible this bad news stuff has got you down.
If that's the case, I would like to share this simple thought: the angel's announcement is still solid and Jesus is God's good news who has come for everybody.
And unlike the storekeepers whose good news is directly related to the frequency of a cash register's jingle and the swiping of a consumer's credit card, God's good news is, well, it's just plain good.
It's not dependent on the economy, or on the state of world affairs. God's good news is good. Period. This Christmas we will be remembering the Son of God who was born to save us from ourselves, from our sins, from Satan, and from a world which had known only bad news.
That He was successful is good news, great news!
In fact, Jesus is such good news you don't even have to wait until December 25th to appreciate Him. The ever-living Savior is good news to you right now. He is by your side, you know, strengthening, listening, helping, and encouraging.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I imagine there will be a lot of bad news before December 25th arrives. In spite of that bad news, I give thanks. You have saved me and nothing -- not the worst of news -- can change that. For being my good news of great joy, I thank You. In Your Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 45-46 Romans 8:22-39
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