How can we bring good news to other people around us, asks Sheffield minister

On Wednesday, we awoke to some breaking news – and it was good.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Dec 2020, 09:08 BST
Updated 7th Dec 2020, 15:44 BST
Undated file handout photo issued by the University of Oxford of a researcher in a laboratory at the Jenner Institute working on the coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Two out of three people have said they would be likely to get a Covid-19 vaccine when one becomes available, according to research.Undated file handout photo issued by the University of Oxford of a researcher in a laboratory at the Jenner Institute working on the coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Two out of three people have said they would be likely to get a Covid-19 vaccine when one becomes available, according to research.
Undated file handout photo issued by the University of Oxford of a researcher in a laboratory at the Jenner Institute working on the coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Two out of three people have said they would be likely to get a Covid-19 vaccine when one becomes available, according to research.

The first vaccine for Covid-19 is ready and as early as next week it can be administered.

It is such a breath of fresh air to have some good news.

Advent for the Christian Church is a season of proclaiming the good news.

The Reverend Jonathan HaighThe Reverend Jonathan Haigh
The Reverend Jonathan Haigh
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The promise of the birth of the Saviour of the world was given to the prophets of old.

Now, in the midst of darkness and oppression, Jesus was to be born.

In the Bible, we can read about the flurry of activity as the angels inform Mary and Joseph of their place in this developing story.

And wise men are guided by stars to search out the bringer of new hope.

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The shepherds on the hillside who were isolated and banished to live with their sheep would be told.

Literally, a host of angels would break the news in the skies above them.If you fast-forward the story of Jesus to the point where he is about to start his mission, He stood up in the Temple and read out a piece of scripture which promised the coming of the One who brings the good news.

The scripture said: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

“He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

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When he finished reading it, He said that on that scripture had been fulfilled in their hearing.

Jesus said of himself that He was the good news.

He was the one sent by God to bring light and hope and the promise of heaven into our lives.

And countless people over the generations right up to the present day have found this to be true.

It got me thinking.

If Jesus is the embodiment of good news, how can I be good news and bring good news to others today?

The Reverend Jonathan Haigh is a minister at Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Sheffield city centre, and Greenhill Methodist Church – see greenhillmethodistchurch.com

Related topics:JesusSheffieldCovid-19