The Angel’s Song: Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: The Good News Announced—A Savior Is Born

The birth of Jesus was proclaimed by angels as “good news of great joy for all the people,” signifying a royal and cosmic announcement that God’s promised Messiah had arrived. This was not just any birth announcement, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the ushering in of a new kingdom, bringing hope, peace, and salvation to a broken world. The angelic message to the shepherds reminds us that God’s good news is for everyone, regardless of status or circumstance, and that the arrival of Jesus changes everything for humanity. [46:09]

Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “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!”

Reflection: When you consider the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth, what does it mean to you personally that God’s good news is for “all people”—including you?

Day 2: The Good News Fulfilled—Jesus Ushers in God’s Kingdom

Jesus’ arrival was the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promise to send a cosmic King who would restore and rule over all things, bringing salvation and hope to the world. His coming was not just a historical event, but the climax of God’s redemptive story, fulfilling prophecies and inaugurating a new era where God’s kingdom is near and accessible. The good news is not just that Jesus came, but that in Him, God’s reign, peace, and restoration have broken into our world, offering transformation to all who believe. [54:30]

Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Reflection: What does it look like for you to “repent and believe” that God’s kingdom is at hand in your daily life right now?

Day 3: The Good News Lived—Freedom and New Life in Christ

The good news of Jesus is not just a message to be heard, but a reality to be lived—freedom from sin, release from fear, and a new identity as God’s beloved. Even in the midst of illness, discomfort, or difficult relationships, those who belong to Christ are no longer slaves to fear or doubt, but are set free to live in the joy and salvation He brings. This freedom is not dependent on our feelings or circumstances, but on the finished work of Jesus, who calls us to stand firm and live as new creations. [01:09:27]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to embrace the freedom Christ has given you, and what is one step you can take today to live in that freedom?

Day 4: The Good News Shared—Our Song for the World

Those who have received the good news are called to share it, letting the “angel’s song” become their own song for the world. Whether it feels easy or awkward, your life and words are already singing a song that others hear—so let it be the song of Jesus’ hope, joy, and salvation. God’s plan is for you to be a source of blessing, greater even than John the Baptist, by letting the reality of Christ in you overflow to those around you, so that those who have never heard may see and understand. [01:13:03]

Romans 15:18-21 (ESV)
For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”

Reflection: Who in your life is already “listening to your song,” and how can you intentionally share the good news of Jesus with them this week?

Day 5: The Good News Internalized—Living Daily in Christ’s Transforming Presence

To truly live in the good news, we must let it shape our hearts and minds each day, allowing Jesus’ words and life to transform us from the inside out. This means returning to the gospel daily, letting it remind us of our identity, our freedom, and our calling to be a blessing to others. As we meditate on the good news and walk into the world with it in our hearts, we become living testimonies of Christ’s love, peace, and joy—singing His song not just with our lips, but with our lives. [01:12:03]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Reflection: How can you set aside time each day this week to let the good news of Jesus dwell in you richly, and what difference do you hope it will make in your attitude and actions?

Sermon Summary

The birth of Jesus was announced in a way unlike any other in history—not with a simple card or a social media post, but with a heavenly choir and an archangel. This was not just a birth announcement; it was the proclamation of the greatest good news the world has ever received. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, even in November, we remember that the arrival of Jesus is the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the climax of God’s story with humanity, and the ushering in of a new kingdom.

The phrase “good news” carried deep meaning in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, it was a royal announcement—a declaration that a new king was on the throne. In the New Testament, it was the angelic message that the Savior had come. Even before Jesus spoke a word or performed a miracle, his very presence was good news for the world. The angels, the prophets, and even John the Baptist all pointed to this reality: Jesus himself is the good news.

This good news is not just advice or a set of instructions; it is the announcement of something already accomplished. Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection have changed everything. He is good news for the broken, the lonely, the grieving, the oppressed, and the anxious. His coming means freedom from sin, peace in the midst of chaos, and the invitation to live in the joy and salvation he brings.

But this good news is not meant to be kept to ourselves. Just as the angels sang, and just as Paul made it his ambition to proclaim Christ where he had not been named, we are called to sing this song to the world. Whether it feels easy or awkward, whether we feel confident or off-key, our lives are already singing a song. The question is: are we singing the song of the good news? Are we living in the freedom and joy that Jesus brings, or are we still weighed down by fear, uncertainty, or the burdens of life?

To truly live in the good news is to let it transform us and to become a source of blessing to others. Jesus invites us not only to receive his salvation but to share it, to let the angel’s song become our own, and to bring hope to those who have never heard.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus Himself Is the Good News The announcement of Jesus’ birth was not just about what he would do, but about who he is. Before he performed any miracles or taught any lessons, his very presence was the fulfillment of God’s promise and the embodiment of hope for the world. To know Jesus is to know the good news in its purest form. [52:44]
2. The Good News Is Accomplished, Not Advised Unlike advice, which tells us what we must do, the good news is the proclamation of what has already been done. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are historical realities that invite a response, not a set of tasks to complete. Our faith rests on what Christ has finished, freeing us from striving and inviting us into joyful trust. [58:05]
3. The Angel’s Song Is Now Our Song The privilege and responsibility of sharing the good news now belongs to us. Just as the angels proclaimed Christ’s birth, we are called to let our lives and words declare his salvation. Even when we feel inadequate or off-key, God uses our imperfect songs to reach those who need hope. Our daily living is already a testimony—let it be a song of good news. [59:56]
4. Living in the Good News Brings Freedom To live in the reality of Jesus’ good news is to be set free from fear, anxiety, and the burdens of sin. This freedom is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of Christ’s peace and assurance. We are no longer slaves to uncertainty or shame, but are invited to stand firm in the salvation Christ has accomplished. [69:27]
5. We Are Called to Be a Greater Blessing Jesus said that even the least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptist. This means we are called to be a source of blessing to the world, carrying the good news wherever we go. Our lives are meant to reflect the transformation and joy that come from knowing Christ, inspiring others to see and hear the song of salvation. [72:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:57] - Birth Announcements and Angelic Proclamation
[45:33] - Why We Prepare for Christmas Early
[46:09] - Reading Luke 2: The Shepherds and Angels
[47:20] - The Meaning of “Good News”
[48:31] - Good News in the Old Testament
[50:03] - Roman Heralds and Royal Decrees
[50:29] - Zechariah’s Angelic Encounter
[51:46] - John the Baptist: Announcer of Good News
[52:44] - Jesus’ Birth: Good News in Itself
[54:30] - Jesus Proclaims the Good News
[56:20] - Good News for the Broken and Oppressed
[58:05] - Responding to the Good News
[59:56] - The Angel’s Song Becomes Our Song
[69:27] - Living in Freedom and Assurance
[72:28] - Called to Be a Greater Blessing
[74:03] - Prayer and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Good News of Jesus**

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### Bible Reading

**Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)**
> And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “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!”

**Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)**
> Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

**Galatians 5:1 (ESV)**
> For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

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### Observation Questions

In Luke 2:8-14, who were the first people to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth, and how did the angels describe the news?
According to Mark 1:14-15, what message did Jesus begin to proclaim when he started his ministry?
In the sermon, what examples were given to show that “good news” in the Bible was more than just any happy announcement? ([48:31])
What does Galatians 5:1 say about the purpose of Christ’s coming for us?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds through angels, instead of to important leaders or in a more ordinary way? What does this say about who the good news is for? ([46:09])
The sermon said that Jesus himself is the good news, even before he did anything or said anything. What does it mean for Jesus’ presence alone to be “good news” for the world? ([52:44])
The difference between “news” and “advice” was highlighted in the sermon. Why is it important to understand that the gospel is something already accomplished, not just a set of instructions? ([58:05])
The sermon mentioned that the angel’s song is now our song. What does it mean for our lives to “sing” the good news, even if we feel off-key or awkward? ([59:56])

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### Application Questions

The angels announced “good news of great joy for all people.” When you think about your own life, do you feel like you are living in that joy? If not, what might be holding you back? ([46:09])
The sermon said that Jesus is good news for the broken, the lonely, the grieving, the oppressed, and the anxious. Which of these do you most relate to right now, and how does the good news of Jesus speak to your situation? ([56:20])
The good news is something already accomplished, not advice to follow. Are there areas in your life where you are still striving to “earn” God’s approval instead of resting in what Jesus has done? What would it look like to trust in his finished work this week? ([58:05])
The angel’s song is now our song. Who in your life needs to hear the good news? What is one practical way you can share it with them this month, even if it feels awkward or you don’t have all the right words? ([59:56])
The sermon asked, “Are you living in the good news or are you still fearful of the world around you?” What are some specific fears or anxieties you need to bring to Jesus, trusting that he has set you free? ([01:08:26])
Jesus said that even the least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptist. In what ways can you be a blessing to others this week, showing the transformation and joy that comes from knowing Christ? ([01:12:28])
The sermon encouraged us to let the angel’s song become our own. What is one habit or practice you can start (or restart) to remind yourself daily of the good news and let it shape your attitude and actions? ([01:12:03])

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Sermon Clips

The announcement that Jesus was coming as a baby to this earth was good news all by itself. Just the fact that Jesus was coming was good news all by itself. God's story with us reached a pinnacle, climax, a moment in history, the fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecies and other prophets' prophecies, the ushering in of this cosmic king who would restore his rule over all the nations. [00:52:34] (40 seconds) #GoodNewsIsHere

The good news that has been spoken of for generations is here in the flesh. And Jesus' life, his new way of living, was good news for the broken. It was good news for the lonely. It was good news for the grieving, for the oppressed, for the destitute. And he hadn't even died on the cross yet. He was the good news already. [00:56:20] (34 seconds) #GoodNewsForTheBroken

The good news continues to be good news for the broken, good news for the lonely, good news for the grieving, good news for the destitute, and for the oppressed, for the tired, for the anxious, for the overwhelmed. Good news for me, and I want to tell you, Dora of Hope, with 100% confidence today, he is good news for you. He absolutely is. [00:57:18] (24 seconds) #GoodNewsForYouToo

Are you living in the good news or are you still fearful of the world around you? The good news tells you don't be afraid, that you don't have to be all the time anxious, overwhelmed by the crazy politics and culture wars and conspiracy theories and outrage that changes on a daily basis. Jesus says that he is the way. And if you walk down the narrow path with him, he will be your good shepherd. [01:08:02] (35 seconds) #FreedomInChrist

The good news that takes away the sin of the world. He was born, he lived, he ushered in a new kingdom, he was crucified, buried and rose again. and ascended to the Father in heaven and sent us the Holy Spirit to walk beside us and comfort and help. Your sins are dealt with. You are free to live in the salvation that the good news brought. [01:08:48] (27 seconds) #EnoughInJesus

We are new creations. We have been made new. And we can sit here each and every week and wrestle with the fact that we don't feel free. We don't feel new. We don't feel transformed. Have you heard the good news? Jesus gave us a new song to sing, a song declared by the angels and revealed through the life of Christ and a song that we must be singing if we're really following Jesus. [01:10:51] (39 seconds) #BeAGreaterBlessing

If you are living in God's kingdom today, door of hope, know Jesus as your Lord, then you are meant to be a greater source of blessing to this world than John. That's what being greater than he means, a greater source of blessing. If you are living in God's kingdom, know Jesus as your Lord, then you are meant to be a greater source of blessing than John. [01:12:35] (29 seconds) #SingTheAngelsSong

The angel's song is one of good news. Jesus can set you free, transform him into his likeness and bring you great joy. Will you sing the angel's song today? Will you sing it for the rest of November into December? Will people hear and see and read the angel's song that you sing in this world? He needs you to. That's his plan for you to sing the song. [01:13:03] (32 seconds) #ShareTheGoodNews

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