Amidst the turmoil in this world, we sometimes find ourselves longing for good news—good news on the economic front, good news in the political world, good news in the educational realm, good news in our personal lives. These looming issues can tend to overshadow that which is the most important, the most essential, the most eternal good news—the “good news of great joy” for all people (Luke 2:10). In our longing for things to change in this temporal world, let us not lose sight that the greatest news has already been announced.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
The angel Gabriel brought this good news first to Zechariah in the temple, and then to Mary in Nazareth. Months later, shepherds watching their sheep near Bethlehem heard the good news announced in the night sky. This is the news that was prophesied by the prophets of old, coming to fulfillment centuries later.
More than 2,000 years have passed since this good news was revealed to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds. Nothing has overshadowed its importance. This is news that must be proclaimed year after year, generation after generation because it is the greatest news of all time. God sent His Son, born in the flesh, to die on the cross to purchase salvation for people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This is “good news of great joy...For unto you is born...in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
We now have the privilege and the responsibility to pass on this “good news of great joy” to our children and grandchildren in the hope that they will pass it on to their children, who will pass it on to their children and grandchildren “so that they should set their hope in God” (Psalm 78:7).
To help us with this, Truth78 has prepared this two-chapter excerpt from More Than a Story: New Testament so that the next generation can hear about the good news given to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds...so that they might rejoice in the good news of the birth of the Savior.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
May your children and grandchildren rejoice this Christmas in the eternal joy offered to sinners by our Savior whose birth we celebrate.
We hope these Christmas stories will serve your efforts to invest in the joy of the next generation in your family or church. Together, we can make investments that have eternal impact. Purchase resources from the Family Discipleship Gift Guide and make donations to our ministry today for the eternal joy of the next generations.
