When was the last time you got some really good news? I mean news that made your heart sing. Maybe it was some recent report from your doctor who told you, “Your tumor is benign or the cancer is gone.”

Perhaps the good news came from your boss. He said, “Our company has done well this year and there’s a nice Christmas bonus for everyone.”

Or maybe your adult child just blessed you with the news that you’re going to be a grandparent.

We especially love hearing good news when we personally benefit. Imagine for a minute what emotions you would experience if you received a phone call today congratulating you that you were the new winner of Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes worth $10 Million dollars. Joy? Happiness? Gratitude? Excitement? Sure! But you’d only feel these emotions if you believed the caller was telling you the truth.

Yes, good news feels wonderful. It’s supposed to. Then why, for so many people, does Christmas feel stressful, ho-hum and even blah?

Soon, Christians worldwide will celebrate the birth of Christ. But often the weeks and days leading up to it our mind and heart is on everything but Jesus. Most of us are not resting in the Presence because we’re too busy getting ready for Christmas by cooking, cleaning, and buying and wrapping presents.

For just a moment today on the Eve of this cherished day, press pause with me and let’s recall the familiar Christmas story. The scriptures tell us that a special angel filled with the glory of God came to give the shepherds good news. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I have something to tell you. I have good news, news so unbelievably amazing it will knock your socks (or sandals) off.”

“You don’t know him yet, but we know him. His name is Jesus and He is the very Son of God. He is coming down to earth to be with you and show you what God is like. He has been born a baby, and He will save people from their brokenness, their sinfulness, their emptiness. He will bring you great joy.”

Jesus is here. Emmanuel, God with us. Indeed, this is good news for you and for me—but only if we believe it.

Christmas isn’t just about December 25. Christmas is God’s good news, breaking into human history to set the captives free. It is good news for every day.

This week’s challenge is to remember the good news of the Gospel of Christ. Christmas isn’t about presents but about Presence–God with us. The more we are filled with Him, the more our heart is at peace, at rest, in love and filled with joy.

Have a happy holiday friends!