SHARING THE GOOD NEWS

BY REV GOH YONG KUANG

I grew up in a church that celebrates Christmas with an all-night carolling every Christmas Eve.  While some question the practice due to its pagan origin, I prefer to associate this tradition with the angelic carollers, who first brought the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ to a group of shepherds in the field, as the basis of our carolling today!  This choir of angels descended on the earth on that first Christmas and sang songs about Jesus’ birth and the hope He brings to a lost world (Luke 2:8-20).

Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King!

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King!

Text: Charles Wesley (1707–1788)

Music: Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847)

The current pandemic makes it impossible to carry out carolling in the open without the risk of spreading the Covid-19 virus.  Although we may not be able do any form of outdoor carolling or organize a physical Christmas concert in church, we can still share the good news - by inviting non-Christian friends and neighbours over to our homes this Christmas. 

One of the best times to share the good news of the gospel is during the Christmas season when people tend to more relaxed and less resistant.  It is a time when non-Christian family members and friends don’t mind participating in a festive event and mingling with us in a safe, cosy home setting for meals and fellowship. 

So, let’s get creative and carry on the angelic tradition of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ this Christmas!