The angel’s message (5) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Goodwill toward men.
Luke 2:14

The angel's message (5)
Jesus Christ was the only One who brought nothing but joy to God. In the Old Testament God had proclaimed, "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my elect one in whom my soul delights!" (Isaiah 42, 1). At the start of His public ministry God affirmed, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3, 17), which He later repeated emphatically (ch. 17, v. 5). God could rejoice in His ministry, His interests, His obedience and His devotion. Christ is "the Son of His love" (Colossians 1, 13). At His birth God let people share His joy through

the angel's announcement. He made it clear that the Child in the manger was already His delight.

But our verse says: "Goodwill toward men!" This plural form goes beyond Jesus Christ, referring to others who are united with Him and enjoy God's good pleasure through Him. It is true that no-one gives God pleasure from birth. As babies we show our self-will, later pride, lies and deceit reveal themselves - sin upon sin. Our holy God cannot look upon sin; He must judge and punish it. But He loves the sinner. Therefore Jesus Christ became Man, and bore the punishment at the cross for all who believe on Him. The Child in the manger proves that God acts in love toward mankind.

The shepherds set out. They saw the Child and "returned, glorifying and praising God" (v.20).

This we can do, too. We can contemplate the wonder of God's love towards us there in the manger and thank Him for His "unspeakable love" (2 Corinthians 9, 15).

(to be concluded tomorrow)

Today's reading: Deuteronomy ch. 3, vv. 8 - 29