And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)

Since I am in the business of delivering news I think I will take this opportunity to let you know that this is still “Good News” and in fact the best news that we as mankind have ever received. God Himself came to earth, took on the form of man, in order that we could receive salvation.

God provided this salvation through the birth of Jesus that night over 2000 years ago. Salvation for those who had already passed on, those living at the time of His birth, and for those who had yet to be born, arrived and was laid to rest in a manger full of hay.

A host of heaven’s angels announced God’s plan of salvation for all men, for Jews and Gentiles alike, the birth of His Son had occurred. It was by no accident that Jesus was born of humble earthly means. Just as His birth announcement was given to simple shepherds abiding in the fields at night; God’s greatest gift to man the “King of Kings” had arrived, not in splendor as many were expecting, but in the form of a tiny baby.

The words in Luke 2:14 might at times be overlooked, “peace to those on whom His favor rests.” More good news: His favor rests on those of us His children. God provided salvation to us, out of His love that first Christmas night long ago.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

Let us all celebrate and share the GOOD NEWS. Christ the Lord is born!