Good News in a World of Bad Views

by Ptr. Jhun Valeroso

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:37-39

When Ptr. Ashe and I learned that she was pregnant with our daughter Nadilyn, our hearts were filled with joy and excitement. The people around us were equally happy as we were. But these jubilant feelings were cut short, or let me say, left us hanging for a moment because of not-so-good updates regarding Ptr. Ashe’s pregnancy. Almost, if not all of her laboratory results during the first trimester of her pregnancy indicated that we will be having a baby with Down Syndrome.

These updates, although sometimes made us worry about the situation of both Ptr. Ashe and the baby in her womb, never overshadowed the good news that we had in the first place – having our very own bundle of joy! We just trusted in the faithfulness of God, and at the same time, prepared ourselves for what could be in store for us. Fast-forward six months later, the day of Nadilyn’s birth came. Alas! We have a healthy and cute baby girl!

This experience reminds me of the biblical narrative of the Advent, when Joseph learned about Mary’s first pregnancy. The news was unpleasant for him to hear. The righteous man in him wanted to quietly call off his engagement with Mary. But then an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and enlightened him with the things to come. Obediently, he set aside his ego and took Mary and the baby in her womb as his own. It was because he knew of the Good News – a Saviour will be born! (Matthew 1:19-21).

This Christmas, let us be reminded that we, 4^th Watchers, are the true recipients of the Good News.

If there is a certain group that has all the reason in the world to enjoy Christmas, it is us 4^th Watchers. Our hearts must be flowing with joy, just as that of the shepherds’ during the first Christmas.

The ups and downs of life must never eclipse the happiness brought about by the Good News. The late Goodman of the House, Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol’s battle cry, “No Retreat! No Surrender!” must be inculcated in our hearts. Nothing in this world must stop us from delighting in the Good News. We are 4^th Watchers. We are proclaimers of the Good News. We are agents of glad tidings.

We are 4^th Watchers. We are proclaimers of the Good News. We are agents of glad tidings.

As we delight in this, let the joy in our hearts be manifested by sharing it to others. After all, good things are meant to be shared! The angel said that this news will cause great joy for all the people. Even Jesus Christ himself told His early apostles to bring the Good News into all the world. How can other people be delighted as well if we keep ourselves timid in sharing the the gospel? Our leaders in the church are leaving no stone unturned just to fulfill the mandate of sharing it.

Being believers in the end-time doesn’t mean we are exempt from the things happening around us. There are times that life seems to hit hard on us. Many of us are less fortunate. Each and every day is like a battle for the majority of us. Yes, life is not easy but then again, the Good News must always delight us.

Whenever we feel distressed, we have a Wonderful Counselor. At times that we are weak, we have a Mighty God. For the fatherless, there is an Everlasting Father. In moments of uncertainties, He is our Prince of Peace.

In a world of bad views, we still have the Good News. And with all these mentioned, we can truly and proudly say, “Happy Rapture”!

Reflection: Have you ever experienced overcoming great sadness by reminding yourself how blessed you are, as a recipient of the Good News? Share your testimony in the comments section.