The word for this week is "tidings"! We'll be looking at Luke 1:19 and Luke 2:10:
Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. KJV
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. KJV
This is the Greek word "euaggelizo". Strong'sConcrodance says: to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the Gospel. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to bring good news, to announce glad tidings. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: used of any message designed to bring cheer to those who receive it. Luke 2:11-14 goes on to declare what this good message is:
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men. KJV
Now THAT was good news they heard! This same word is used in Luke 8:1:
8 And it came to pass afterward, that He went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with Him, KJV
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! KJV
What the angel told to Zacharias was good news for them! A son would be born to them! What the angel told the shepherds was good news for us ALL! Our Savior had been born into the world! OUR "good tidings" are that the Savior Who had been born had also died FOR US, and rose from the dead victorious over the enemy! The price for sin had been paid once for all! For all people and for all time! The only thing left for people to do is to believe that He did what He said He would do, and to declare Him as their LORD! Then THEY can share these "good tidings"! Here, just for YOU, because it's Christmas, is Hillsong with "Born is The King (Its Christmas)":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
