I have good news!

As I reported last month, Graham Jacob is my first grandchild. (Thanks to those who have asked about my grandmother name. I have chosen “Nonnie,” a sweet and meaningful tribute, I thought, to my Italian great-grandmother’s name.)

This past month has been a testament that becoming a grandmother has indeed been good news. He is a delight to me! And of course, my grandson’s entrance into the world for my daughter and son-in-law has been good news. But, as enamored as I am with Graham, I admit that for most of the world, his birth was a non-event. In fact, his birth has had no impact for most of the readers of this blog! But, when Jesus was born, the angel declared:

“…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10b

All the people. How is this possible? How could the birth of one child be good news for everyone?

In the Greek New Testament, gospel is the translation of the Greek noun euangelion “good news.” (HELPS Lexicon | NASEC dictionary) In other words, when we study “the Gospel” we are exploring the answer to that very question—why is the arrival of Jesus the greatest news of all?  We hear bad news every day in the papers, on television and through the internet. Hasn’t the time come to hear good news? Isn’t it time to believe the good news? I will be studying the Gospel of John for the next eight months. Consider reading it with me. John wants us to know the ultimate benefit of hearing and believing the good news—that we “may have life in His name” (John 20:31). And the fact that this life is a free gift for all people (you and me included) is indeed a reason to celebrate.

Note: I will be teaching on Wednesday nights at McLean Bible. If anyone wants to watch and listen they can find me and my wonderful co-teacher on Facebook. Search “MBC Women's Ministry.” Once you “like” the page, you will have access anytime, not just live on Wednesday evenings.