GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

Surprises come in all forms: an unexpected visit, a wrapped box with your name on it, a moment that takes your breath away. Yet no surprise has ever changed history like the birth of Jesus.

Heaven’s greatest gift arrived in the most unexpected way: not in a palace, but in a stable; not wrapped in silk, but in swaddling clothes; not announced to kings, but whispered to humble shepherds under a canopy of stars. The gift that came from heaven still shines with unearthly brilliance.

When the angel declared in Luke 2:10, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people,” the heavens erupted in song, and the world stood still in awe. It continues to reel in wonder, as if creation itself still catches its breath at the thought of God becoming man.

There is still that element of holy surprise—the staggering realization that the infinite became an infant, the Creator cradled in a crib. God’s plan for redemption came quietly, wrapped not in grandeur but in grace.

The Almighty took on flesh and entered our fragile world as a child. The Savior did not arrive with might to rule, but with mercy to redeem; not seeking servants, but becoming one, giving His life to set us free.

That night in Bethlehem reminds us that God’s greatest gifts often come in unexpected packages. What looked like an ordinary baby born in a manger was, in truth, extraordinary: the Word made flesh, Emmanuel, “God with us.”

Jesus, who came to a humble manger, still comes quietly into open hearts. His gift is not found under a Christmas tree but upon a cross, not wrapped in paper but in mercy. When you open your heart to this wonder, you will discover an unearned gift, glowing with redeeming love.

— G. Yarian