One of my traditions at this time of year is to watch the movie “Love Actually.” I adore the opening quote:
Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around. (Opening scene, Love Actually.)
It is far too easy these days to get gloomy about the state of the world, these days. There are too many ‘bad news’ stories that are going around.
Jesus came to break into our bad news world, with very, very good news. News of salvation for anyone who would put their trust in him. News of eternal life. News of reconciliation with God.
That’s what this season is all about. The good news breaking into our reality, changing us, changing our destiny, changing our status with God, changing our hearts. And through all of that, hopefully, changing the way that we live and the things that we do so that the world becomes a better place.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke2:10-11 (NIV)
That was the message of the angels, the message of the Messiah. Good news. Great joy.
So if you’re feeling a little gloomy about the state of the world these days, I want to share with you this site, which shares good news stories from around the world. They are short and to the point – though, in many cases may be more complicated than the sentence or two they are given here, they brought a warm glow to my heart. And I hope they will do the same for you:
This Advent, may you not only know the Good News, may you become part of the Good News, by taking action to bring peace and joy to others in need.
Rebekah's World 