Skip to content
  • DONATE
Me
  • Incarnation

Day Thirteen – Good news

share

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email

Welcome to your daily Bible 2020 reflection. Over this series we’ll be taking time to read, speak, pray and share God’s word.

The best way to access the daily readings is through the Bible 2020 app. Open it now for today’s reading, or download it via Apple or Google App stores.

Open BIble 2020
  • Download on the app store
  • get it on google play

Luke 2:8-11

And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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 Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (NIV UK)

Once again, the angelic messenger says, “Do not be afraid”, this repeated message to God’s people that his drawing near is a good thing rather than something to fear.

The good news is that the long-promised Messiah has arrived. After years and centuries of waiting and longing, he is here. 

As often is the case, a new birth brings great joy. 

And it brings great joy to all people. News about this child who was born will spread, in time, beyond the hills surrounding Bethlehem to all people. First through Jesus himself, and then through the church that springs from the public ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. God will send this good news out, commissioning first the apostles and then all who believe, to tell all people about Jesus. 

In a world where so many of us are afraid, and so many of us are waiting for things to change, good news and great joy are often in short supply. The news about Jesus is no less good today than it was that day the angel first proclaimed it to the shepherds. The joy no less great when people come to believe in who this Jesus is and what he has done. 

May this gospel truth about Jesus spread from our lives this Advent, beyond our homes and churches into the streets of our villages, towns and cities. May the light of Christ flow like a river, illuminating the darkness. May Christ’s coming to us afresh drive out our fear, and may we overflow with fresh joy and fresh hope as we worship Christ in proclaiming his coming to all peoples.

PRAYER

Dear Father. We are so often fearful. Speak your words of comfort and hope afresh to us today, “Do not be afraid”. We are waiting for so many things in our lives and our world to change. Thank you that you are faithful and active while we are waiting. Fill us today with the joy of the good news of Christmas and help us to spread this good news where we are. Amen

PrevPreviousDay Twelve – Bethlehem
NextDay Fourteen – Peace on EarthNext

BIBLE 2020

Incarnation

download the app

  • Download on the app store
  • get it on google play

subscribe to the podcast

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • RSS Feed


Copyright © 2021 The Scottish Bible Society
Scottish Charity No. SC010767
Registered Office: 7 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5XU, United Kingdom
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Contact Us
Scottish Bible Society
CloseMenu

We have compiled resources which can help you and your loved ones stay in close relationship with God. These resources also equip all who are engaging in virtual community to stay close to one another.

Stay connected with us

ReAD GOD's WORD

  • WHERE YOU GO - AUDIO DRAMA
  • ADVENT READER
  • EQUIP
  • BEYOND DISASTER

SHARE GOD's WORD

  • BIBLE 2020
  • The Outspoken Bible
  • Gospel of Mark

children & families

  • Christmas Windows
  • Bible World Books
  • bible 2020 family resources

Final print stock available

Physical copies of Christmas Windows packs in quantities of 50 or more  are still available to order.

Find out more