Our term “gospel” comes from the Anglo-Saxon words for “glad tidings.” The Greek term in the New Testament for gospel literally means the “good news” which comes to people announcing a significant and most happy event. Roman emperors used the term in their imperial propaganda to announce all the good they did to secure peace and prosperity for the Mediterranean world. The Pax Romana, however, was good news only for the wealthy and powerful. The church coopted the word and applied it to the Christ event with the underlying message that it was Christ, not Caesar, who brought good news and peace to all the world and not just to a select, privileged few. Paul uses this Greek word most frequently to refer to the preaching or proclamation of the story of Jesus.
Terms like “glad tidings” and “good news” are especially appropriate during the Advent and Christmas season. The angel announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds said, “Be not afraid, for behold I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” This “good news” the angel came to proclaim is our word “gospel.”
Unfortunately, many do not usually associate good news and glad tidings with their experiences of preaching and proclamation. Too many expect sermons to dwell on our sin and the weighty cost of discipleship; on what we should and should not do; on what we should and should not be. While at times such may be a part of faithful and authentic preaching, the basic thrust behind every Christian sermon must be the good news of great joy meant for everyone. This good news is that God is for us rather than against us; that God loves us more than God judges us; that God seeks us out for healing, liberation, and homecoming rather than condemnation, chastisement, and punishment.
The gospel is glad tidings. The authentic proclamation of the church is and should be good news. So, this Advent, let us open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the proclamation of great joy which is for all people—even for you and me.
An Advent Prayer Concerning Good News
Loving God, help us in this Advent season to hear the gospel and let it touch every part of our being. Inspire us to encounter the glad tidings of a Savior’s love and embrace the good news of great joy meant for us and all people. Unveil for us the vital connection between joy as the most trustworthy sign of your presence in our lives and the gospel as your truth spoken to us in love. May our lives become bearers of your good news in our little corners of this world you so love. Through Christ, our greatest joy, we pray. Amen.
