There are various levels of good news. First of all, there is the good news which announces some of our daily brushes with happiness. For instance, hearing that our most loved supper is being prepared, receiving a good grade or a "well done" on a homework assignment or being told that it is time to watch a compelling television program are examples of such.
There are seasonal or less frequent tastes of good news, which elicit (perhaps) a greater joy. We might exclaim, "Well, that is good news" when we hear that our favourite singer is scheduled to perform in our city. Or when the local grocery store is restocked with a holiday candy which adds to the joy of Christmastime.
Taking another step, we encounter the infrequent type of good news. News of events so rare and precious that they fill our hearts to bursting with happiness. "I'm pregnant." "You've been accepted to such-and-such a program of study." "The job is yours." "I do."
The Gospel of Mark begins with these words: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (1:1). As you probably know, the word translated "gospel" can be translated "good news". The Reformation Study Bible explains that the Greeks used this term "for events such as the birth of an emperor or a major military victory." Rare events indeed.
As Christians, we rejoice at the good news that God sent His Son into the world. That He would die for us to pay for our sins. May God fill our hearts to bursting with joy today as we reflect on this good news. The best good news of all.
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