Luke 2:30-32 [Simeon said] “For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
This is a prayer of praise from Simeon, a devout and faithful Jew. Simeon spoke these words when He held the baby Jesus in his arms.
Israel – A Favored Nation
In the Abrahamic Covenant, God promised to make of Abraham a great nation, and bring forth the Messiah from them. The Messiah would then bless all the nations of the world.
While in bondage in Egypt, God protected the Israelites by bringing 10 Plagues on their oppressors. During the exodus and the Red Sea crossing, God protected them. Then God miraculously provided for them during the wilderness wandering and battles. God made Israel into the world’s greatest empire during the reign of their first 3 kings (Saul, David, and Solomon). And after 70 years of captivity in Babylon, God rescued them and granted spiritual revival under Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s leadership.
So after centuries of divine favor and watchful care, many Old Testament Jews thought they had a “corner on God.” But while holding baby Jesus, Simeon, by the power of the Holy Spirit, reinforced the good tidings for all. Simeon proclaimed that God had sent His Son to earth to bring salvation to the whole world (v.31), and that this gospel was for everyone, including both the Gentiles and Israelites (v. 32).
Good Tidings to All Nations
The earthly ministry of Jesus confirmed this. Jesus told His disciples to take these good tidings to all nations (Mt. 28:18-20), to every creature (Mk. 16:15), to all the lost (Lk.19:10), to the whole world (Jn.1:29, 3:16), and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The disciples were obedient to Christ’s great commission. They bravely proclaimed the good news throughout Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The Apostle Paul was chosen to be an apostle to the Gentiles. He started churches in Gentile cities, and wrote letters to many churches, thereby fulfilling his divine calling (Acts 9:15). There can be no doubt that the good tidings of Christmas are truly meant for all people, including Jews and Gentiles.
Good Tidings for the Rich, Wise, and Seekers of Truth
In Matthew’s Gospel, we read about the Magi. They were Wise Men from the east (presumably Babylon). Guided by a special star, they journeyed to see the one who was born “King of the Jews.” The gospel is truly “good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Yes even to the rich, the wise, the powerful, and those we might call the “movers and shaker” of the world.
Is the gospel message harder for the rich and famous? After all, they have everything they want or need, and often feel they don’t need God or religion. Jesus said, “It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” But then He added, ”With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mt. 19:23-26).
The apostle Paul referred to this in 1 Cor. 1:26, “not many wise…not many mighty, not many noble are called…” Many rich and noble will not humble themselves and admit their need for forgiveness and eternal salvation. But praise God, some have…just as the Wise Men did long ago! So it’s wonderful that God sovereignly included the story of the Wise Men in the Bible.
Good Tidings for ALL
This is marvelous, for we can boldly proclaim the gospel to everyone, rich or poor, unknown or famous, powerful or weak, because we know these are “good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL people!”
John 3:16 has been called the gospel in a nutshell, and it says, “For God so loved the (whole) world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Even the wise, intelligent, academians can trust in the Savior! Even the rich, noble, and powerful can humble themselves in sincere faith in Jesus. Whoever is willing to repent from sin and receive God’s Son by faith can be redeemed.
Exclusive, Yet Inclusive
Though the Gospel is exclusive, in that there is only one way to heaven (through Jesus), it is also inclusive. The gospel is for everyone! Anyone who is willing to hear and heed the gospel message can and will be given everlasting life. It is free to us, but it was bought and paid for with the precious blood of Jesus. We celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas, but we should remember that He was born to die. Everything Jesus did and said during His 33 years on earth pointed to the cross. Jesus’ blood paid for the sins of the whole world. But only those who trust in Him will enter into the Kingdom of God.
Never forget the divine message announced by the angel on that first Christmas night. “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL people.” That means good tidings for men, women, children, the poor common folk, the general public, the elderly, Jews and Gentiles, and the wealthy, wise, and truth seekers.
The gospel is for all people. Have you personally responded with humility and sincere faith? If you haven’t yet, do it now! If you are already a believer, then go, tell it to others! Like the shepherds, let us be determined to make these good tidings widely known. Let us be like the disciples of the early church who “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Let us be like the saints in Thessalonica of whom the apostle Paul wrote, ”For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out so that we do not need to say anything,” (I Thes. 1:8).
The Story of Jesus
In 1880, Fanny Crosby penned a beautiful song about the story of Jesus. The first stanza tells of the good tidings of the Lord’s incarnation. Crosby wrote, “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word, tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth. Glory to God in the highest, peace and good tidings to earth.”
Read all in this series:
Good Tidings for…
All Men and Women
All Children and Common People
The General Public and the Elderly
Jews and Gentiles, the Rich, Wise, and Seekers of Truth
The Season of Advent (the 4 weeks before Christmas)
What is Advent?
HOPE Advent Candle 1 – Prophecy Gives Hope (video)
LOVE Advent Candle 2 – Promise Reveals Love (video)
JOY Advent Candle 3 – Jesus Is Our Joy (video)
PEACE Advent Candle 4 – Pause to Find Peace (video)
Christmas Day: When Love Was Born — Light the CHRIST Candle (video)
What is the Prophetic Symbolism of Advent Candles?
How Do We “Take” Advent and Find Rest?
Download a Daily Devotional for Advent
Download “King of Love” Daily Advent Devotions
A Christmas Poem to Download and Print
Christmas-themed GOT QUESTIONS?
- What are the Events of Jesus’ Birth? A Simple Timeline and Chronology
- Misconceptions about the Journey to Bethlehem (video)
- What do Zelophehad’s Daughters have to do with Christmas?
- Errors in the Nativity Story? Is Jesus’ birthplace wrong?
- Who were the Three Wise Men? Fact or legend?
- How Did the Wise Men Know to Follow His Star?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 Days After Jesus’ Birth? Or Was It Much Later?
- What is the significance of the Three Kings' gifts?
- Was Jesus born in a stable, a cave, or a house?
- Should we celebrate Jesus’ birthday in September?
- Was Jesus born in September (not December?)
- Does “Xmas” Cross Jesus Out of Christmas?
- What is the Prophetic Symbolism of Advent Candles?
- The Most Important Lesson for YOU in the Nativity Story?
- Was Mary a Levite, making Jesus both King and Priest?
- Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
- How did Jesus become a man?
- Do You Get These 7 Things Right or Wrong About the Nativity Story?
- Are You Stuck in the Middle This Christmas? (short video lessons from the popular comedy TV show "The Middle.")
- What are the Prophecies of Christmas? (video)
- Where are the genealogies of Jesus in Mark and John?
- Why Are There Two Different Genealogies for Jesus?
- Should I Say “Happy Holidays” Instead of “Merry Christmas?
- “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
- Who’s Often Forgotten in the Birth of Jesus Story?
- Why is Simeon Significant in the Nativity Narrative?
- Why is Anna Significant in the Nativity Narrative?
Christmas-themed Articles
- Scripture Cookies – Fun for the Whole Family!
- A Boastful Christmas Letter
- Peace Delivers Hope
- Promise Ignites Hope
- Preparation Produces Hope
- Prophesy Reveals Hope
- Alone at Christmas? Feeling lonely?
- Another reason God came to dwell with man.
- How can you have a white Christmas without snow?
- Christmas, abortion, and Joseph, the forgotten man of Christmas
- Remember the Wonder of Christmas
- Will you find rest, peace, and joy this advent season?
- A Christmas Morning Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
- The Christmas Story in Poetic Verse, by Alvy E. Ford (1918-2005)
- Need a Quick Christmas Letter with a Significant Message?
- It All Happened in a Moment
- T’was the Night Before Jesus Came
Christmas Word Search Puzzles
Scripture from: Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and John. A Christmas message from “In the Bleak Midwinter”
Christmas-themed Videos
- The Most Beautiful O Holy Night O Night Divine, when Christ was Born
- A Baby Changes Everything, by Faith Hill
- Mary, Did You Know?
- While You Were Sleeping — A Wake Up Call for America
- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, performed by Casting Crowns
- Mary’s Child — from the movie, A Christmas Wish
- The True Meaning of Christmas: The Sacrifice Began (How Many Kings)
- What If You Had Been There When Jesus Was Born? (video)
- Pause to Find Hope. Receive the Promises of God. See Jesus. Hear God’s Plan.
- Christmas Trivia Fun
- Songs of Christmas Series: Away in a Manger; Mary, Did You Know? The Rose of Bethlehem; Good Christian Men Rejoice; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; I Wonder As I Wander; What Child Is This? The First Noel; In the Bleak Midwinter (a golden oldie)
Have You Heard About This Baby Boy? A most beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, with a Christmas message to touch your heart and give joy to your soul.
*******
We Need Your Help
If Reasons for Hope* Jesus has blessed you,
please consider supporting our ministry.
Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists
But YOU make it possible!
As an online biblical resource ministry, your goodwill and generosity keep us going in our mission to equip, encourage, and empower the body of Christ and reach the lost with the gospel of saving grace.
Your help is truly needed and greatly appreciated.
Did you know..it's easy to set up monthly giving?
And it helps us meet our budget!
Reasons for Hope*Jesus is a 501c3 Ministry
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.
If you are unable to donate but appreciate our ministry outreach, please encourage us by clicking here.
*******
*******
***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.
The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?
There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith. Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory. Their words equip and encourage us even to this day. Take a few minutes to hear...
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
- Prayers from Billy Graham
- Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
- “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
- Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
- Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
- 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
- Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
- Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859
This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.
TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share
- Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
*****************