Luke 2:8-12, Isaiah 9:6

Kunle Olabode

And the angel said unto them, 'fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord'. (Luke 2:10-11)

Hurray! Here comes another Christmas which signifies the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The birth of the Lord Jesus was proclaimed by the angel to the shepherds in the field as "glad tidings of great joy to all mankind". Jesus brings joy and hope to the entire world for the following reasons among many others.

• Jesus is the only way - The new and living way, to reconcile all mankind back to God. There is no other name given unto all human beings by which they can obtain salvation and forgiveness from sin apart from the Lord Jesus. (Acts 4:12; John 14:6).


• Jesus alone brings hope of eternal life in heaven to all mankind. There is only one heaven and therefore only one way to heaven. Through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, believers have their names written in the Book of Life in heaven and will spend eternity in the city where death and pain does not exist.


• In spite of the imperfections and distortions of the present life here on earth, Jesus Christ gives to all who trust Him unspeakable joy and peace beyond human understanding. He gives the Holy Spirit to comfort, encourage and help believers through life's journey.

The angel also gave the reassuring words to the shepherds when he said to them 'fear not'. In the same way, all those who are reading this life file are asked not to be afraid of what they may be seeing, feeling or hearing. Jesus is Lord over all and as long as He is for us, nothing shall prevail against us (Romans 8:31). So as we celebrate Christmas, let's not forget the reason for this season which is Jesus Christ. May the blessing of the Lord be with us all.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and happy new year.