Announcing the Good News of Christmas

Bearing the Good News of Christmas means sharing the joy of Jesus’ birth with those near and far who still need to hear.

“There were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.”—Luke 2:8–9 NASB

Born in Vermont in 1839, Leigh Brewer became a pastor, then a missionary to the people of Montana. Just before Christmas in 1892, he received a substantial gift to support his ministry. He was so grateful, he wrote a poem “as a Christmas greeting and remembrance.”

With Brewer’s permission, C. Whitney Coombs made three musical settings for this poem, and today the song “Long Years Ago O’er Bethlehem’s Hills” is still sung.

Brewer described the “wondrous thing” as shepherds“ heard the angels sing.” He pictured the night as “hushed and still,” when suddenly the angels “proclaimed sweet peace on earth” and “to all mankind good will.”

Brewer was amazed as he considered how the message brought hope to people. It had become a song “sung by rich and poor, where’er the Christ is known.” Brewer knew we don’t just sing this message but must also communicate it through the things we do.

That first Christmas, the angels were the “choristers,” but now we all can proclaim the message. Reflecting his heart for missions, Brewer reminded us that we must all “bear the message” and bring the Good News of salvation“ to those both near and far.”

As you celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth, don’t forget the millions who haven’t heard this message. Make Christmas a time to support evangelism and missions. Tell others the Good News. Share the joy of salvation!

Reflection Question: How will you share the Good News of Christmas with someone this week?