‘I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’ (Luke 2:10)

What was the last time you heard some really good news? Perhaps it was the birth of a grandchild, or a promotion at work, or the announcement that a friend had got engaged. And what do you want to do when you hear good news? Most of us want to share it. If it’s really good news we want to shout it from the rooftops so that everyone gets to know about it.

The news about Jesus is like that. It isn’t just good news, it’s great news! It’s the kind of news that people can’t keep to themselves. They want to talk about it with anyone who will listen. Why? Because it’s cause for great joy. It’s guaranteed to put a spring in your step if you’ve understood it properly.

And this news is for all people everywhere. No-one is excluded. It’s for everyone… absolutely everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or how you got on at school, or whether you work or not, or what colour your skin is. This news is for everyone. And that includes you and me!

That’s why Christmas is a celebration.