“…good news of great joy…”

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, Linus explains the meaning of Christmas.

“The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” (Isaiah 9, English Standard Bible (ESV))

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2, ESV)

God became a man: Jesus of Nazareth. The Bible reveals him to be the Messiah and the promised King. He came as a Savior, and he is coming again as King. The four gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — tell what he said and did from four slightly different perspectives.

Merry Christmas!