“Tidings” is not a word I use every day. Some words are holdovers from time past, and every once in a while, those words are dusted off, and we bring them back into usage. One of my favorite Christmas songs, and one that has been covered countless times since its first appearance, is “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Its chorus contains the line, “O tidings of comfort and joy.” Part of this phrase is taken directly from the old King James Version of the Bible, as the angel of the Lord speaks to the shepherds in a field.
Luke 2:8-11 KJV – 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Because “tidings” is unfamiliar, I quickly looked up its origin and found it is translated from the Greek word εὐαγγελίζομαι (euangelizōmai). If that word seems familiar, it may be because it shares a root with εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion), our word for Gospel. That is why most modern versions translate it as, “I bring you good news.”
The first Gospel message was delivered by the angel of the Lord, spreading good news to a group of shepherds. And what was this wonderful message? A Savior is born—the deliverance of humanity from death and, as the song puts it, from Satan’s power.
What I love about the narrative of the Bible is that it continues with me and, hopefully, through me. Time and again, we see the call to carry the “Good News” of a Savior. In Romans, Paul emphasizes that we are the ones entrusted with this message of good news.
Romans 10:13-15 ESV – 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
He is referencing Isaiah 52:7 and the power and might of God, who stepped into their lives to deliver them. Isaiah 53 culminates with the image of the Savior being pierced for our transgressions. “Tidings of comfort and joy” is the good news that God enters our world to save us. It is an incredible thread that weaves through the Bible, connecting us to that story. We are now able to proclaim the same Good News! The world needs this reminder, and many people are more receptive to it during this time of year. As you go through the holiday season, remind others that God delivered the Savior to us—this is the good news that deserves to be shared. Be confident in bringing glad tidings.