THE GOOD NEWS

Isaiah 9:1–9

V6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

It is the time of good news. Christmas season is here, and the decorations remind us of this joyful moment. Whether you have celebrated a few Christmases or many, the message remains the same: good news came from above. Long before Christ’s birth, God announced the coming of His salvation to the earth.

But before the good news, there was very bad news.

THE BAD NEWS IN EDEN

In Genesis 3:8–15, Adam received the worst news humanity has ever known. As God walked in the garden and called to Adam, Adam hid because he realized he was naked. Innocence was lost. Shame entered the world. The devil had stolen everything from man—even the purity of his heart.

From that moment, humanity began covering itself with leaves, and to this day we still cover ourselves because of that curse. We were separated from our good Father. God drove Adam and Eve out of Eden, saying they could no longer remain in His presence.

Satan knew that if Adam and Eve sinned, God’s unchanging law would stand: “The soul that sins shall die.” Man thought God would overlook “just a fruit,” but God does not change. He is everlasting. What He declares remains.

This separation from God was the beginning of all bad news. Life became hard. Death entered the world. The earth was cursed—once fruitful, now producing thorns. Climate, labor, and childbirth all became painful. Humanity has continued to feel the weight of that curse to this very day.

Even now, many have experienced grief and hardship. Death still exists because the law remains: the heart that sins must die. We all have an appointment with death.

THE GOOD NEWS ARRIVES

But in the midst of darkness, God sent good news.

When the earth was quiet and shepherds watched their flocks, an angel appeared and declared: “Good news of great joy for all people.”

A Savior had been born—One who would rescue us from the curse that began in Eden.

The world was desperate, confused, and searching for God. People worshipped idols because they did not know where to find Him. But Jesus came and brought the true good news:

• A Son has been given
• A Redeemer
• A Savior
• The Way
• Hope Himself

He came to remove the curse—not physically, but spiritually. He came as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He broke every chain, even the power of death. The shame that began with nakedness in Eden was removed when He was stripped at the cross and bore our shame.

He entered the grave and defeated death so that we may be called victors—even in death.

ACCEPTABLE BEFORE GOD

Now we have hope. Now we can be accepted before God.

1 Timothy 2:3–6 says He gave Himself as a ransom for all. He was offered as a living sacrifice so that all may be saved. God will never force anyone—salvation is for all who accept Him.

Ephesians 2:18–19 “…for through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household.”

Through Christ, we have access to the Father. Our journey is not yet complete, but Christ came so that we may receive salvation by faith and live in hope until He returns.

Eden—the place of rest—has been spiritually restored. God calls us to receive Christ so that we may enter the second Eden and reign with Him forever.

We are pilgrims on our way to heaven. We are accepted as we are, if we receive Christ in our hearts. This is the only requirement.

Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

Yet many remain confused, believing the time of salvation has not come. But the time came 2,000 years ago. Do not delay. The enemy whispers, “There is still time,” hoping you will die without salvation.

Those who receive Christ become sons of God. Those who reject Him will be rejected.

Jesus is the only way to heaven. He is the path. He will identify His own and clothe them for the great feast.

A life of good works without Christ will not save anyone.

He was born so we could have access to God through prayer. Those who pray know this truth—we can reach the Father through Christ by one Spirit.

POWER TO OVERCOME

Christ has given us power and authority to walk in righteousness, conquer sin, and resist everything that brings man down. You can say no to sin because He has given you authority. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

A WARNING FOR THIS SEASON

During Christmas, many let their guard down. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.”

The devil is still on this earth, and so are you. Do not be ignorant of his schemes.

This season brings parties, drinking, dancing, and temptations. Be careful. The enemy targets those who belong to God, not those already in sin.

If you are young, do not indulge in the things of the world during this season. Resist the devil, and he will flee.

PRESSING ON

Philippians 3:12 says: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on…”

Paul reminded the Philippians that he was still in the race, pressing toward the goal.

Christmas is not the finish line. Do not relax spiritually. We are still pressing on.

Many have fallen during this season because they let their guard down. But God has saved you. Do not fall for the same tactic the devil used in Eden:

• “It’s only a fruit.”
• “It’s only a little drink.”
• “You can repent later.”

Do not accept the same lie.

Keep your guard up. Resist the enemy. We are still in the race.

Christmas is a time of good news—God has come to restore what was lost in Eden. He will bless the work of your hands, the fruit of your womb, and your ways because of Jesus.

But we have not yet arrived. We are passing through.

So press on. Choose righteousness. God has good plans for your life. Press on until the end.