Week #3: The Christmas Story Is the World’s Good News
Blog Series Intention Recap
This four-week series for Christmas series helps people to understand the incarnation and the good news of Christ’s birth. Over the course of four weeks, people will learn what it means that they are made in God’s image. Then they will explore what it means for Jesus to be the image of God revealed. Finally, they will have a chance to rehear the Christmas story and learn why the good news involves God coming from heaven to earth in Jesus Christ.
This post is the main page of the series “Heaven to Earth: The Incarnation” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #3:
The birth of Jesus is not just a story—it is the good news that God came down to save us.
Why it Matters:
The angel announced good news to ordinary people—shepherds.
Jesus came to bring joy to all people, no matter who they are.
God's rescue plan began with a baby in a manger.
The right response to this news is worship and sharing it with others.
Go Deeper:
News That Changes Everything
We all hear news every day. Some of it is sad. Some of it is boring. Some of it doesn’t affect us much. But sometimes, news changes everything.
The Christmas story is that kind of news.
Luke 2:10–11 tells us what the angel said to the shepherds: “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.”
This is not just a sweet story to remember once a year. It is the moment the world changed.
Who Heard the News First?
The angel didn’t go to kings or priests. He didn’t go to rich men or rulers. He went to shepherds—people who were poor, unknown, and not well respected.
In those days, shepherds were not important. They slept outside and worked long hours. Many people looked down on them. But God did not.
God sent the angel to them first. Why?
Because this news was for everyone. Not just the powerful. Not just the educated. Not just the good. Luke 2:10 says it clearly: “for all the people.”
God wanted the world to know: Jesus came for everyone.
What Was the News?
The angel called it “good news of great joy.” What made it so good?
Three things:
A Savior Was Born – The world was broken. People were lost in sin. But Jesus came to rescue us. He would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
He Is the Christ – This word means “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” Jesus is the one God promised through the prophets. He is the King who would set things right.
He Is the Lord – That means Jesus is God. He came from heaven to earth. The Lord Himself stepped into our world.
This was not ordinary news. This was heaven touching earth.
A Baby in a Manger
The angel gave a sign: “You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)
Think about that. The Savior, Christ, and Lord was born not in a palace, but in a place where animals were kept. His first bed was a feeding trough.
Why?
Because God wanted us to know He came close. He came all the way down. He did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). He was not born above us. He was born among us.
This is how God works. He brings greatness through humility. He changes the world through weakness. The manger shows us God's heart.
How the Shepherds Responded
After the angel spoke, a whole army of angels appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)
The shepherds didn’t stay in the field. They went quickly to find Jesus. They saw Him, just as the angel said. Then they told everyone what had happened.
Luke 2:20 says, “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.”
They worshiped. They rejoiced. They shared the good news.
Why This Still Matters
Many people know the Christmas story, but they don’t hear it as good news. They hear it like a fairy tale or a holiday tradition.
But the Christmas story is true—and it’s still good news for us today.
We still need a Savior. Sin is still real. Brokenness is still everywhere.
Jesus is still the Christ. He still reigns. He is still the answer to every promise.
He is still Lord. He still rules over all, and He still invites us to trust Him.
If this is true, then it changes everything.
Joy for All People
The angel said this news brings “great joy.” This is not a small happiness. It’s not based on gifts or meals or lights. It’s joy that runs deep because it’s joy that lasts.
Jesus came to bring that kind of joy—to shepherds and scholars, to children and parents, to rich and poor, to all who believe.
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. Jesus came for you, just as you are.
How does this help me understand, “Heaven to Earth?”
How Should We Respond?
Like the shepherds, we are called to respond. Here's how:
Believe the good news – Trust that Jesus is who the angel said He is. Trust that He came for you.
Worship with joy – Sing. Pray. Give thanks. Let the joy of Jesus fill your heart.
Tell others – Share the story. Help others hear the good news, just like the shepherds did.
Live with purpose – Jesus came to bring peace and joy. Bring that into your home, school, or workplace. Live like someone who has met the Savior.
The Good News Has a Name
The good news is not a feeling. It’s not a tradition. It’s a Person.
His name is Jesus.
He came to save. He came to rule. He came to be with us. That’s what Christmas is all about.
So this year, don’t let the story grow cold. Don’t miss the joy. Don’t forget the news.
Jesus was born for you. And that changes everything.
