Day 3: Proclaim

Angel - Proclaim

By Alison Emery

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:9-11 (NLT))

God used heavenly messengers to announce the birth of His son, the Savior of the world. In a few instances - to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds - He used an angel (Luke 1:26-27; Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 2:9-11). To the Magi (wise men), God used a star (Matthew 2:1-11). Based on their religious education, the Jews were very familiar with angels delivering pronouncements from God. Similarly, the Magi, who were gentiles, looked to the heavens, the stars, and the planets to receive and interpret messages from God. To herald the Word, God spoke to each witness in the language he or she could understand.

Jesus is described as the Word in John’s Gospel: “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God… The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:1, 4-5 (NLT))

Jesus is the Word of God speaking to us. He makes known to us the thoughts of God; He is the Truth and the Light. Jesus is also the Word speaking to God for us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus saved us from the tyranny of sin and death, bringing us into complete wholeness and communion with the Father now and for all eternity. His work of salvation is completed yet ongoing. Jesus saves us every day from the pull of the world, the flesh, and the enemy, and He lives to continuously intercede to God on our behalf as we run the race together (Hebrews 7:25).

This is the Good News of great joy proclaimed by the angels. The Creator of the universe, our Creator, perfectly holy, just, gracious, merciful, and loving, sent His Son for us in an expression that is familiar to us - a baby wrapped in flesh, born into a family, growing up in a community. Dwelling among us.

Now Jesus entrusts us with the word of the gospel, to go and make disciples of all nations. To speak in language that resonates with people. To proclaim the Good News with great joy in whatever context we may find ourselves.

How is the gospel of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection Good News to you today? Who might you share it with today, and how?