Breaking News!

Whenever I hear the words “Breaking News!” while watching television, or see those words FLASH across the screen, I sit up ready to take notice. They are words which capture my attention. They are words which cause me to stop whatever else I am doing so that I can give the NEWS FLASH my undivided attention. Those words are an indicator that something worth reporting has taken place and it is even worth interrupting whatever other program may be on at the time.

When the time came for the Messiah to come onto this life’s scene, the story did not hit the headlines of the “Jerusalem Journal” though, perhaps, it should have. Nor did it make the front page of the “Bethlehem Bugle”. I’m not even sure it made it into the local “birth announcements” section. However, there was a great NEWS FLASH that took place and it may surprise us to think who was chosen to receive it. It was not the elite of the day. Nor was it the “religious” leaders of the time.

Luke recorded…
“(8) And in the same region there were SHEPHERDS OUT IN THE FIELD, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE AROUND THEM, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I BRING YOU GOOD NEWS OF A GREAT JOY that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” ( Luke 2:8-14 ESV)

The attention of the shepherds was captured. They were startled at the sight. However, it was a GOOD NEWS FLASH! Here were shepherds chosen to receive the GOOD NEWS of the One who would be called the Good Shepherd. ( John 10:11) How appropriate! But isn’t that true of whatever God chooses to do?

Today, the world would still do well to sit up and take notice! Jesus came into this world and He fulfilled His mission of making salvation possible through His sacrifice on the cross. He needs to be recognized by all as the Good Shepherd who will lovingly lead to an eternal resting place that is completely safe and secure.

Jesus came and is coming again. As His first coming was marked by a sight that captured the attention of those who witnessed it, His second coming will also be marked by that which will not be missed.

Jesus Himself stated…
“For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, SO WILL BE THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN.” ( Matthew 24:27 ESV)

Like lightning FLASHING across the sky cannot be missed, so it shall be with the coming of the Lord. (note also 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 2 Peter 3:10) Every eye will see Him. ( Revelation 1:7) Therefore the time is now to be prepared, because for those who are, His coming will again be marked as GOOD NEWS!

Have a great day HERALDING THE HOPE OF THE SAVIOR!
Carl

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