Announcing the Savior’s birth: A Good News Day for Sure

When the angel proclaimed the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, that was surely a “Good News Day.”

On the Sunday before Christmas Day, December 19, 2021, Telos Fuller, one of the associate pastors at Grace Covenant Church in Chantilly, VA, set forth a most remarkably enlightening message based on the familiar passage describing the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in Luke 2:9-15. Pastor Telos emphasized the words “Glory to God in the highest…” He went on to relate various aspects of the word glory, meaning that which belongs to God alone who is worthy of glory. This the multitude of the heavenly hosts offered this unprecedented proclamation of the glory of God in the highest degree to a lowly group of shepherds, individuals who appeared least likely to be chosen for such an honor. Later I read the passage in the Amplified Bible which gives a fuller account of what occurred:

Luke 2:8-14

⁸And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night.

⁹And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened.

¹⁰But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.

¹¹For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!

¹²And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

¹³Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying,

¹⁴Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased, men of goodwill, of His favor].

Verse 10 indicates that the angel brought “good news” to the shepherds and ultimately, to the entire world. That day was “A Good News Day,” expressed this way in this original poem:

 Good News Day

 This is the day the LORD has made;

 we will rejoice and be glad in it.

 Psalm 118:24

It’s a good new day

no blues day

new shoes

no way to lose

What a good new day

It’s a great day

I can’t wait day

lift your voice

let’s rejoice

Good God, a good news day

It’s a payday

goin my way day

no nay–all yea

what you say

Such a good news day

It’s a live it up day

overflowin cup day

It’s a bright and bubbly

doubly lovely

Show-nuff good news day

As we celebrate the birth of the Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah) and as 2021 concludes while 2022 begins to unfold, may every day be a “Good News Day.”

We joyfully conclude with “Good News, Great Joy,” a glorious Christmas worship song by Attila Juhas:

Poem in Your Pocket Day 2021

Poem in Your Pocket Day: April 29, 2021

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the American Academy of Poets has designated April 29 as National Poem in Your Pocket Day 2021. Until recently, the idea was simple: people selected a poem that they loved during National Poetry Month and carried it with them to share with co-workers, family, and friends. People unfolded poems from pockets  throughout the day with events in parks, libraries, schools, workplaces, and bookstores. In light of the current COVID-19 circumstances, the celebration can continue digitally:

Here are ways to celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day 2021:

• Select a poem and share it on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem. 
• Simultaneously participate in the Shelter in Poems initiative, and select a poem that brings you solace during this time of distance and solitude. Share what it means to you and use the hashtags #pocketpoem and #ShelterInPoems.
• Record a video of yourself reading a poem, then share it on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or another social media platform you use. 
• Email a poem to your friends, family, neighbors, or local government leaders.
• Schedule a video chat and read a poem to your loved ones.
• Add a poem to your email footer.
• Read a poem out loud from your porch, window, backyard or outdoor space. 

Poem in My Pocket:

In the midst of all that is transpiring, I wake up each day with a heart filled with gratitude that I am alive and well and “clothed in my right mind.” I often begin my day by reciting Psalm 118:24 the inspiration for this original psalm, the inspiration for the Poem in My Pocket for 2021:

Good News Day

This is the day the LORD has made;

 we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

It’s a good news day

no blues day

new shoes

no way to lose

What a good news day!

It’s a great day

I can’t wait day

lift your voice

let’s rejoice

Good God, a good news day!

It’s a payday

goin my way day

no nay–all yea

what you say

Such a good news day!

It’s a live it up day

overflowin cup day

It’s a bright and bubbly

doubly lovely

Show-nuff good news day!

Here is a link to a discussion of “Good News Day” posted on Dr. J’s Apothecary Shoppe. Check out.

Good News Day—Break it Down–What the Scriptures Say

Good News Day—Break it Down–What the Scriptures Say

 This is the day the LORD has made;
 we will rejoice and be glad in it.
 Psalm 118:24

As the New Year unfolds, I remind myself that I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I resolve that each day will hold “Good News!” I often recite the original poem “Good News Day” on birthdays and other occasions of celebration. I recall sharing the poem on my birthday when I happened to be part of a Bible study taught by Thamo Naidoo from South Africa. After hearing my joyful recitation, he remarked. “This isn’t just a nice poem, but it’s a prophetic declaration from the Lord.” Years later, I thought about his comment, and I decided to look at the poem more closely. Today’s blog post examines some Scriptural references that come to mind as we examine the poem line by line:

It’s a good news day

The title brings to mind the account of the four leprous men who entered the camp of the enemy and made a remarkable discovery:

8 When the men with leprosy arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and hid it. 9 Finally, they said to each other, “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren’t sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let’s go back and tell the people at the palace.”

no blues day

Psalm 30:11 (AMP)

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
I have also composed some originals related psalms: “No Mo Blues” and “Little Boy’s Blues” which reiterate the same message.

new shoes

This line makes me think of “Parable of the Prodigal Son” the source of inspiration for “Homecoming” another original poem “Homecoming.” Here is a reference:

Luke 15:22 (KJV)

But the father said to his servants, bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

no way to lose

2 Corinthians 2:14 (AMPC) reinforces the same message:

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,

What a good news day!

It’s a great day

Psalm 42:8 (NLT)

But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
I have also composed a number of original songs from a collection: “Songs in the Night Sung in the Morning”

I can’t wait day!

We look forward to each new day with great expectations:

Romans 10:11 (AMP):

For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].”

lift your voice

let’s rejoice

Philippians 4:4 (AMP) reminds us of this reality:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again, I will say, rejoice!
Rejoice in the Lord, always, and again, I say rejoice

Good God, a good news day!

Here are verses to remind us that we serve a “Good God!”:

Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, To those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word].

It’s a payday

For those who serve the Lord, every day is a payday:

Psalm 68:19 (NKJV)

Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah

I often encourage believers to make every day a “Pay Day.” Although that’s sweet, I’m not talking about a candy bar. To illustrate what I mean by “get paid every day,” I often recite “Barter” by Sara Teasdale. Here is a definition of the verb barter: to exchange (goods or services) for other goods or services without using money.

Isaiah 55:1 expresses the same sentiments:

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free!

goin my way day
no nay–all yea
what you say

When it comes to the promises of God, there is not yes and no, but this verse clarifies the matter:

2 Corinthians 2:20 (AMP):

For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ, they are [all answered] “Yes.” So, through Him, we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.

Such a good news day!

It’s a live it up day
overflowin cup day

This line brings to mind one of the most recognized lines from Psalm 23:

Psalm 23:5 (NLT):

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.

It’s a bright and bubbly
doubly lovely

This line refers to our gracious, beneficent Father:

Isaiah 62:7

Instead of your [former] shame, you will have a double portion; And instead of humiliation, your people will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore, in their land they will possess double [what they had forfeited]; Everlasting joy will be theirs.

Show-nuff good news day!

 Mandisa offers a musical summary of  the celebratory poem with “Good News”

There may be other scriptures that come to mind when you hear “Good News Day. If you would be so kind, share them in the comments below, and may each day of 2021 be

‘. . . a bright and bubbly,
Doubly lovely,
Show-nuff good news day!’

Good News is on the way

Hey Everybody,

This is Dr. J, and I am here to let you know that I will soon be launching Dr. J’s “Good News Day” Newsletter. I am building my email list, and I would love to add you to my subscriber list. If you know others who might be blessed by the newsletter, please share the link:

https://pages.convertkit.com/0543fa9b56/e8ffdd75b0

When you subscribe to the newsletter, you will be sent an email to the address you listed when you subscribed. You will have to confirm that you want to subscribe.

Find out how you can get a digital recording of Dr. J reciting “Good News Day.” There is so much more in store.

Thanks for your support and the follow through by confirming your request for the newsletter.

Always,

Dr. J

With a most grateful heart

Today, June 17, 2018 is a special day of celebration for me. Not only is this my 76th birthday, but it is also Father’s Day, “a doubly lovely day.” Often on such occasions, I recite “Good News Day” as a prophetic declaration to remind us to rejoice and celebrate the goodness of God one more time:

Good News Day

This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

It’s a good news day
No blues day
New shoes
No way to lose
What a good news day

It’s a great day
I can’t wait day
Lift your voice
Let’s rejoice
Good God, a good news day

It’s a payday
going my way day
no nay–all yea
what you say
Such a good news day

It’s a live it up day
overflowing cup day
It’s a bright and bubbly
doubly lovely
Show-nuff good news day

For the past several years, I have composed a poem on my birthday, generally a reflective piece written in celebration of God’s goodness over the past year. From time to time, I think of the words of Saint Augustine: “To contemplate the truth and to share the fruits of that contemplation.” Here are some of my thoughts on this very special occasion:

With a Most Grateful Heart

Reflections on my seventy-sixth birthday
June 17, 2018

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His lovingkindness endures forever
Psalm 118:1 (AMP)

With a most grateful heart still overflowing with love,
I give praise to God for every victory we have won,
To stand upon this mountain, once more to rise above:
A faithful friend, father, husband, a beloved son.
In loving kindness God soothed my soul and cast out fears.
Assured nothing can separate me, not even death,
For each day of these bountiful seventy-six years
I give thanks with all my being with each precious breath.
To share from the wellspring of my soul, I seek to find
The right words to express the depths of my gratitude
For a fruitful spirit, healthy body, and sound mind.
Reflecting on God’s goodness evokes this joyful mood.
As I look into the mirror with new eyes, now I see
A miracle: the mighty man of faith God called me to be.

Smokie Norful with a live performance of “Dear God” provides a perfect benediction to this celebration:

Birth of Jesus Christ: Good news

Three days before Christmas Day, the Verse of the Day for December 22, 2016 is the familiar passage describing the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in Luke 2:8-11 where we add verses 12-14 in the Amplified Bible which gives a fuller account of what occurred:

Luke 2:8-14:

⁸And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night.

⁹And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened.

¹⁰But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.

¹¹For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!

¹²And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

¹³Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying,

¹⁴Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased, men of goodwill, of His favor].

Verse 10 indicates that the angel brought “good news” to the shepherds and ultimately to the entire world. That day was “A Good News Day,” poetically expressed in this way:

 

 Good News Day

 This is the day the LORD has made;

 we will rejoice and be glad in it.

 Psalm 118:24

 

It’s a good new day

no blues day

new shoes

no way to lose

What a good new day

 

 

It’s a great day

I can’t wait day

lift your voice

let’s rejoice

Good God, a good news day

 

 

It’s a payday

goin my way day

no nay–all yea

what you say

Such a good news day

 

 

It’s a live it up day

overflowin cup day

It’s a bright and bubbly

doubly lovely

Show-nuff good news day

 

 

This celebrated passage from Luke 2 has served as backdrop for countless nativity scenes that have been on display for decades across the country. Within the past few years, some citizens and advocacy groups demanding separation of church and state have objected to public displays depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite the resistance, many communities continue to display nativity scenes on public property: from historic Belen, New Mexico, whose name means Bethlehem in Spanish to the Pennsylvania city with that same name and numerous places in between.  All across the nation Christians continue  to proclaim the “good news of the birth of Christ (the Messiah) the Lord.”

Located in downtown Columbus, Ohio, this nativity scene featuring life-size figures has attracted crowds for 85 years.

Contemporary Christian vocal group Avalon share some “Good News”:

 

 

 

As this year concludes and as 2017 unfolds, may every day be a “Good News Day” for all who read these words.

I am not ashamed of the gospel

In Romans 1:16 (AMP) we find the Verse of the Day for July 17, 2016:

I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The “gospel” of Jesus Christ literally means the “good news”: the glorious gospel message of the overall intent and purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to bring salvation to the whole world. The “Good News” is said to recognize and celebrate the truth that Jesus Christ was born. With his birth the angel of the Lord assured the shepherds with these words:

Luke 2:10-11:

“. . . Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.

¹¹For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!

The birth of Jesus Christ is part of “the gospel” which also notes that not only did he live but that he died and that he arose from the dead. Moreover, he is coming back again! Indeed, the “good news” is that through Jesus Christ those who believe on Him obtain salvation when they confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead. The good news proclaims that believers are made whole, in spirit, mind, and body; it provides life everlasting for those who follow Him and offers the free gift of salvation to all who receive it.

In reflecting on the term “the good news of the gospel,” I recall comments about the first part of that phrase which introduces a poetic declaration entitled “Good News Day”:

. . . [T]here is no failure in God, for God is good. The very essence of God is goodness. Indeed, Jesus Christ said, “There is none good but the Father.” And there is no comparative or superlative with God. There are no “better” days with God. God does not have the “best” day He’s had in a long time in comparison to others. With God every day is a “Good News Day” because “God is good.” Period!

Many times in the midst of adverse circumstances when life is not unfolding as we think it should, we recall the words from Psalm 118:24, as we rejoice and celebrate the goodness of God one more time:

Good News Day

This is the day the LORD has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

It’s a good new day
no blues day
new shoes
no way to lose
What a good new day

It’s a great day
I can’t wait day
lift your voice
let’s rejoice
Good God, a good news day

It’s a payday
goin my way day
no nay–all yea
what you say
Such a good news day

It’s a live it up day
overflowin cup day
It’s a bright and bubbly
doubly lovely
Show-nuff good news day

As we celebrate the goodness of God every day, we also recognize the truths expressed in the lyrics from the gospel song “I am not ashamed of the Gospel” which reinforce the message of the Verse of the Day, recorded here by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir:

Good news of great joy for all people

The Verse of the Day for December 22, 2015 proclaims that “good news of great joy for all people” was first given to lowly shepherds, as revealed in Luke 2:8-11 in the Amplified Bible:

In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah).

Verse 10 indicates that the angel brought “good news” to the shepherds and ultimately to the entire world. The day that the Savior was born was, indeed, “A Good News Day,” poetically expressed in this way:

Good News Day

This is the day the LORD has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

It’s a good new day
no blues day
new shoes
no way to lose
What a good new day

It’s a great day
I can’t wait day
lift your voice
let’s rejoice
Good God, a good news day

It’s a payday
goin my way day
no nay–all yea
what you say
Such a good news day

It’s a live it up day
overflowin cup day
It’s a bright and bubbly
doubly lovely
Show-nuff good news day

As we celebrate the birth of the Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah) and as 2015 concludes while 2016 begins to unfold, may every day be a “Good News Day.”

Listen to “Good News, Great Joy,” Christmas worship song by Attila Juhas:

Rejoice in the Lord!

The Verse of the Day for September 12, 2013 is a marvelous reminder of the attitude that we should have as we approach each day.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

The New Living Translation puts it this way:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

Despite the horrific conditions that Paul found himself in while imprisoned in an underground dungeon known as “a house of darkness,” his letter to the church at Philippi abounds with references to joy and rejoicing.  Renowned Biblical teacher John McArthur refers to Philippians as the “Epistle of Joy,” Paul mentions some form of the word “joy” at least 16 times in these four chapters. McArthur notes that Paul also mentions Christ 50 times and states, “And that is because his joy is found in Christ and so is our joy.”

I have fond memories of Philippians 4:4 taught as scripture memory song that was sung as a round in the Children’s Ministry classes that I taught for years. Here is a recording of the verse:

Israel Houghton offers a lively contemporary arrangement inspired in part by Philippians 4:4:

Paul’s exhortation to rejoice is clear. Philippians 4:4 is simply a reiteration of Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This verse is used as an epigraph or brief introduction to a celebratory poem that expresses the essence of joy that should abound in our lives every day.

Good News Day

This is the day the LORD has made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

 Psalm 118:24

 

It’s a good news day

no blues day

new shoes

no way to lose

What a good news day

 

It’s a great day

I can’t wait day

lift your voice

let’s rejoice

Good God, a good news day

 

It’s a payday

goin my way day

no nay–all yea

what you say

Such a good news day

 

It’s a live it up day

overflowin cup day

It’s a bright and bubbly

doubly lovely

Show-nuff good news day

One Mo’ “Good News Day”

Another Day’s Journey, the song popularized by Lashaun Pace, came to mind this morning as I was preparing for the day. I am continuing to take to heart the words of exhortation from I Thessalonians 5:

Rejoice evermore,

Pray without ceasing,

In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Many times as I am driving to work, I give myself a morning pep talk and recite “Good News Day” and encourage myself in the Lord. I recall a saying I heard while I was on a short-term mission trip in Los Cabos, a beautiful scenic area on the tip of the Baja peninsula of Mexico: “There are no bad days in Cabo.” I smiled as I responded, “There are no bad days in Cabo (or anywhere else for that matter) because the Lord is good, and every day is a “Good News Day.”

El Arco (The Arch), Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

In a blog I posted regarding “Disappointment,” I made the following statement:

. . . [T]here is no failure in God, for God is good. The very essence of God is goodness. Indeed, Jesus Christ said, “There is none good but the Father.” And there is no comparative or superlative with God. There are no “better” days with God. God does not have the “best” day He’s had in a long time in comparison to others. With God everyday is a “Good News Day” because “God is good.” Period!

Many times in the midst of adverse circumstances when my life is not unfolding as I thought it would, I recall the words from Psalm 118:24, the introduction to Good News Day and I rejoice and celebrate the goodness of God one more time:

 

Good News Day

 This is the day the LORD has made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

 Psalm 118:24

 

It’s a good news day

no blues day

                new shoes

                no way to lose

What a good news day

It’s a great day

                I can’t wait day

                lift your voice

                let’s rejoice

Good God, a good news day

It’s a payday

                goin my way day

                no nay–all yea

                what you say

Such a good news day

It’s a live it up day

                overflowin cup day

                It’s a bright and bubbly

                doubly lovely

Show-nuff good news day

From Stone upon Stone: Psalms of Remembrance

Join me as I sing one more time my signature theme song: Good News Day–Musical Version

Johnny Nash offers the second verse of the same song with his popular “Bright Sunshiny Day.”  Have great and glorious day!