The word for gospel or 'good news' in the Greek language is 'euangelion'. It originally referred to a messenger who was dispatched by a ruler to bring back reports of the successes of his armies on distant battlefields. It later came to be identified with the message of victory itself.

I recall an amusing story of such a messenger returning from a far off battlefield, having to run on foot over hill and dale, fording rivers and streams and finally sprinting the last stretch before collapsing with huffs and puffs before the king. "Well," asked the king, "What's the news?" The messenger shamefully confessed, "I forgot."

That is often the case with the work of evangelism today. We get occupied with the journey of outreach but when called upon, may not have a clear gospel message. Our high-tech companies have dubbed their fore-running marketing specialists, 'evangelists'. But our gospel is not about new technology or hoped for business-success. Nor is it about the renewed fascination with forms of spirituality, mystical experiences, religious emotionalism, church growth or right wing politics.

What is THE gospel? It is the good news of what God has done and is doing through and in Jesus Christ. God has provided for the salvaging of our lives from the ruin of sin and the consequential fate of banishment in a place of eternal punishment. Throughout history He has revealed His redemptive plan to secure, for those who believe, full pardon through the substitutionary sacrifice of His Son.

The Apostle Paul is emphatic as he shares his gospel: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first (UTMOST) importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures."

(His death is to be taken in the context of hundreds of prophetic statements. He did not die as an example, or as a martyr or as a misunderstood teacher, or because of the bigotry of one people group. He died for OUR SINS. He took the penalty we deserved.)

Paul continues to explain the good news, that he was buried (A VALIDATION OF HIS LITERAL, HISTORIC DEATH), that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...

(The Scriptures prophetically explain that he would be raised four our justification, as legal proof of our acquittal from our own condemning record of sin.)

"...and that he appeared (A VALIDATION OF HIS LITERAL, HISTORIC RESURRECTION) to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living." (1Corinthians 15:3-6 NIV).

The good news is not only about what God has done, but what He is doing. He is changing lives. Those who believe Him, experience a relationship with Him that is life transforming. He proves Himself to be a faithful friend, teacher and guide, offering forgiveness of sins and the free gift of eternal life. Jesus is Lord and Savior. As Lord, He is worthy of your obedience. As Savior, He is worthy of your trust. Through putting your trust in His saving work, you become a child of God, born into His eternal family. His Holy Spirit gives you a new life and a new kind of love. This is the good news:

"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9). ...for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)

At this Christmas season, may we be ready to tell why Jesus was born.

A fellow good-newser,