“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30).
Most of the news we listen to, and perhaps the news we relish, is bad. We seem to have a penchant for the tragedies of others, for the plights and hopeless situations we see in others, and for the unrest and violence that threatens so much of our world.
Good news, however? Well, good news is gospel, and the greatest good news of all is that God sent the Savior, Jesus, to redeem us. This is, indeed, good news. In fact, good news today has a much bolder impact than we might imagine. Because our news is so slanted toward the bad, good news has the ability to startle, awaken and transform. The marvelous good news of God’s love, of God’s saving Presence in the midst of our troubles and turmoil is an incredible wonder. It is grace-filled and ever-fresh.
There are so many ways we can proclaim this good news of God’s love in word and deed. We can show good news in our service and helpfulness to others. We can demonstrate good news by being the hands and feet of Jesus. We can proclaim the good news through every kind word and uplifting word of hope we offer to others.
Don’t overlook the power of the good news in the lives of your teenagers. You might be the very word of hope they are looking for…especially at Christmas.
