Bad News- Good News
/When it comes to the news, we tend to lean towards one of two camps that are not healthy:
Being addicted to the news or being in the know of all the news. Be it gossip or in the media- there is a overarching fear of missing out. I get it, sometimes it is easier to be fixated on things outside of ourselves to avoid what is going on in our own hearts.
Ignoring the news, or adamant not wanting to hear anything that’s happening in the news because it is so bad. As a result, they can live in a bubble of self protection and lala land
Hopefully, we can be in a third camp of consuming news that is appropriate for our soul and capacity to be in the world and not get sucked in by the world. May we have eyes and ears to hear the heartbeat of humanity in order for us to have empathy, compassion and wisdom to know how, why or if we should respond.
Good News!
News agencies would bode well if they interspersed their story lines with more good news stories. When we are fixated on the drama, the trauma, the evil atrocities, we will keep looking for them and their shock factor. Rather, I am finding for my soul care- there is a balance. Celebrating the miracles all around is good news. Family, friendships, service, sharing, caring, LIFE.
For me, the ultimate Good News is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
I love Christmas programs, movies, musicals & plays… especially with children. They have a way of bringing joy and such fun to the holiday season. Brings back good memories of when I was a little girl in the 70’s or raising our girls and their programs at school or church in the 90’s. This years Christmas Program at FGCC was called “Good News” and it is the first time our youngest grandchild Kylen was recently in. He joined other 2 year olds up to 5 year olds in two songs:”Jingle Bells” and ”Happy Birthday Jesus!”) They were a fun bunch of sweeties to kick start and introduce the musical as the school aged children took the stage. If you are looking for some inspiration this Christmas, I thought to share this link for you to watch from home “Good News: Children’s Musical 2022” (57 minutes).
John the Baptist Proclaimed the Good News
(Mark 1:1-3) “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way: “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”
An Angel of the Lord Brings a Message of Good News!
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 (Story of the birth of Jesus read the entire chapter 2 in Luke).
*Below are a few songs about Good News I am reflecting on today:
Jesus spoke of this good news Himself as Himself
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” - Luke 4:17-19
(referencing the Old Testament Prophecy of Himself in Isaiah 61:1,2; Isaiah 58:6)
In Reflection:
THE Good News:
Have you received the Ultimate Good News- Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and Lord?
If you know Jesus, keep reflecting on this Good News in your life each and every day. Remind yourself through the Word of God who you are, and “… Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Bad News:
How can we encourage one another to take the bad news and bring it to healthy action? (Prayer, service, loving others etc)
How can we mentor one another better to grieve, lament and pray through the bed news so our soul is well?
Good News:
Where there is good news, how can we celebrate together more- giving praise where praise is do more- acknowledging the source of every good and perfect gift being from above- the ultimate perfect good news, Jesus Christ.
