Glad Tidings

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March 30
A very special young woman, whom I've mentored for ten years, is getting married this weekend and my husband has the privilege of performing the ceremony. While working on song selection she asked his opinion of singing Joy to the World. His personal opinion was that there are so many good choices available, that if she selected a Christmas carol in April, people might focus on why that had sung and miss the message and exchange of vows. Point well taken, but I have to say those are lyrics we should keep in our hearts all year long, not just for December.
A similar situation posed itself to me while working on today's devotional. The phrase that had come to me was glad tidings. Researching the background, it relates to a Christmas Carol and Luke's verse proclaiming the angel's announcement of Christ's coming.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10

Glad or Good Tidings means "Good News!" We do have good news to share about our Savior and it should be shouted to the rooftops all year round!

When was the last time you told someone what Jesus has done for you? He may come back before December, so share the news today!

PT
Father, Your grace and mercy are beyond our comprehension. Thank You for Your plan of salvation and loving us enough to send Jesus to earth to suffer for us. Forgive us for our mindset. We pour time and energy into doing good deeds, planning special church programs, gearing up for mission trips, getting dressed up for Easter and Christmas and praying for the courage to share the Gospel. These are all worthy efforts, but in our day to day walks we are afraid to share with people that Jesus Loves them, that He laid down his life for them, and that the story of His life is really good news that can bring glad tidings to their everyday situations. We avoid this Lord, because we want them to like us. Ugh, and we call ourselves Your children and ask prayer, after prayer request from You for everything from parking places to prosperity. Please forgive us and give us the courage, which comes from a deep abiding love, to lift Your name on high in a way which honors You, praises You and gives You the glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen


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