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

Old news.

Ultimately, it was old news which brought an end to the publication of Newsweek magazine. That's right, after 80 years of being on library and drugstore magazine racks, Newsweek will no longer be going to the printer. Even though I didn't have a subscription to the magazine, I still am somewhat saddened by the announcement. I guess I thought the weekly periodical would always be there.

I was wrong. Newsweek was done in by old news. Let me explain.

Most of us like our news to be, well, we like it to be ... new. We want our information to be both recent and reliable. To make that happen, networks put cameras and reporters into the field. They use computers, satellite links, and the Internet to make sure you know what is happening, even as it is happening. Sometimes, as in the case of national elections, news reporting goes one step further, as it announces victors before the ballots are counted and sometimes before the voting booths are closed.

Sadly, a magazine which must be printed and then distributed by the Post Office is condemned to sharing events that are days old, and news which is days old is no longer news, it is ancient history. That explains why, to get back into the "news game," beginning next year, Newsweek is going digital.

Old news. Some 2,000 years ago some angels appeared to some shepherds and gave them God's "good news of great joy." Since that message was delivered a long time ago, a person might easily think that what the angels said is old news and of little value.

If a person thought such a thing, he would be wrong.

The coming of the promised Messiah, His perfect life, His innocent death, His glorious resurrection is news that every person, in every nation, in every century needs to hear. Every sinner who is condemned to hell -- which means every human being -- needs to know the Lord has provided a way for them to be forgiven, redeemed and saved. Every baby born needs to be told God's Good News: Jesus Christ is not just a Savior or the Savior ... He is their Savior.

Good news of great joy ... Good news that is always new. That is what we have in Jesus. That is the good news the Lord has asked us to share.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, we live in an age when the story of the Savior is being treated as if it is unimportant news of little consequence. Let us be of help in opening doubting hearts to a realization that the Redeemer's work is the most important news they will ever hear. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Jeremiah 39, 52, 40    Hebrews 10:19-39

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