What’s the greatest news you’ve ever heard? Was it a surprise trip? Finding out you were going to be a parent? A promotion at work? Or maybe it was hearing about something incredible that happened to a friend or loved one.
It’s hard to rank life’s greatest moments, but there’s one piece of news that surpasses them all. In fact, it’s so good that it holds the #1 spot for everyone, whether they realize it or not.
This news is twofold:
1. The Birth of the Savior
Imagine this scene: shepherds are watching their flocks one quiet night when suddenly an angel appears, breaking the stillness with an incredible announcement:
“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” (Luke 2:10-11).
The angel goes on to describe where they can find the baby, and then, as if to punctuate the moment, a multitude of angels fills the sky, praising God and declaring:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14).
Can you imagine the wonder of that moment? The Savior—prophesied for centuries—had finally arrived! The King of Kings, the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, was born!
But the birth of Jesus wasn’t just a miraculous event in history. It had a purpose. As Paul reminds us:
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
The good news of Jesus’ birth leads us to the second part of this greatest news.
2. His Death and Resurrection
While birth announcements bring joy, it’s strange to think of a death announcement as part of the greatest news. Yet, the gospel tells us that Jesus’ death wasn’t a tragedy—it was a triumph.
Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly gave His life for sinful humanity. His death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, demonstrating both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s love.
But the story doesn’t end there. Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave, proving His victory over sin and death. This is why the angel at the tomb could say to the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body:
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay” (Matthew 28:5-6).
The resurrection of Jesus is the continuation—and completion—of the greatest news ever declared.
Our Response to the Greatest News
In both the birth and resurrection of Jesus, angels delivered the news along with instructions.
• At Jesus’ birth, the shepherds were told to find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:12). Their response? “They went with haste” (Luke 2:16). They believed the message and obeyed, finding and worshiping Jesus.
• At the empty tomb, the women were told to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen. Their response? “They departed quickly…and ran to tell His disciples” (Matthew 28:8). They, too, believed and obeyed.
The pattern is clear: belief leads to obedience.
The birth of Jesus points to His purpose—to save sinners through His death and resurrection. And the empty tomb assures us that the Savior lives!
Sharing the News
The greatest news isn’t meant to stay with us. Like the shepherds and the women at the tomb, we’re called to share it with others. Jesus Himself commanded us:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the foundation of the gospel—the good news that changes everything. Let’s believe it, live it, and share it boldly.
How do you respond to the greatest news?