The Heart of Christmas – God’s Goodwill Towards Us

Scripture Reading:

Luke 2:13 – 14 (NKJV) Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’

Introduction

• Whether or not you choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus at this time of the year, one thing we can all be deeply grateful for is the goodwill of God towards us.
• The message of Christmas is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder that God’s heart towards humanity is one of love, mercy, and grace.
• When the angels announced, ‘Peace on earth, goodwill toward men’ they were declaring Heaven’s great truth: that God is for us, not against us.
• His goodwill is His kindness in action, shown to us through Jesus Christ, Who came to bring peace, hope, and salvation to all.

1. WHAT IS GOODWILL?

• Goodwill is not a term we use often today.
• Goodwill is described as a benevolent, kind and generous intention or action towards others.
• It is an attitude of kindness, mercy, and compassion that can be expressed through service, generosity, and forgiveness.
• Goodwill can be seen in the following ways:
  Through acts of kindness and generosity.
  In the giving of support and encouragement
  In displaying a positive attitude towards others.
  In the desire for the wellbeing of someone else.

2. WHAT IS THE GOODWILL OF GOD TOWARDS MEN?

• 1. His divine favour towards us: 
  The concept of goodwill is often linked to God’s favour and pleasure towards those who are righteous. Psalm 5:12 ‘You surround them with the shield of Your favour.’
• 2. His kind gift to us:
  The birth of Jesus is announced as ‘peace on earth, goodwill toward men’ (Luke 2:14), highlighting God’s inherent kindness and goodwill towards humanity as seen through the birth and the gift of Christ.
• 3. His transformative power in us: 
  Philippians 2:13 states that God ‘works in you to will and to act for His good purpose,’ suggesting that goodwill is a divine quality God cultivates in believers. 

3. GOODWILL IS GOD’S HEART TOWARDS ALL MANKIND

• The birth of Jesus was God’s ultimate expression of goodwill, His kindness, mercy, and love revealed to the world.
• We live in a world that often feels harsh and divided, but Christmas reminds us that God’s heart is full of peace and favour toward us.
• John 3:16: ‘For God so loved the world…’ that is goodwill in action.
• God’s goodwill is not earned; it is freely given through Christ.
• All mankind includes you.
• In fact, this goodwill is something personal that we all need to reach out and receive, because it is meant for each one of us.
• You are not excluded from the lovingkindness in God’s heart towards people.
• Right now, He is reaching out to you and He wants you to experience His goodwill for yourself.
• You are seen, you are valued, and you are loved by God and that is His goodwill towards you.
• May His goodwill towards you become a living reality to you at this most wonderful time of the year.

4. GOODWILL BRINGS PEACE TO THE TROUBLED HEART

• The angels’ message included both peace and goodwill, because the two are connected.
• When we understand that God is for us, and not against us, peace fills our hearts.
• Romans 5:1: ‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’
• If you know in your heart that someone has goodwill in their heart towards you, you don’t need to doubt and you can feel reassured and enjoy peace because of the goodwill towards you.
• May you recognise that God has goodwill, kindness, compassion and love for you.
• Let this great fact become a foundation for your life and realise that God has good things in store for you and let this bring peace to your heart and mind.
• Christmas is an invitation to rest, to let go of anxiety and trust in the Prince of Peace.

5. GOODWILL IS THE GIFT WE GET TO GIVE BACK

• God’s goodwill toward us should flow through us towards others.
• True goodwill is seen when we extend grace, compassion, and generosity.
• Ephesians 4:32: ‘Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.’
• This is a time to forgive, to bless, to reach out, and to let love be shared with others.
• Just as God extended His goodwill to us, we are called to reflect it to the world.
• Acts of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and encouragement demonstrate God’s character.
• 2 Corinthians 5:20: ”We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…”
  We carry His message of reconciliation and goodwill.
• When we show goodwill to others, we point people to Jesus, the greatest Gift of all.
• For this very reason this is a season when we give gifts to others because God set the example for us in the giving of the gift of His Son.

6. GOODWILL IS THE HOPE THAT KEEPS US GOING

• The angels sang of peace on earth, and this is a promise that still echoes through time.
• Even in troubled days, God’s goodwill reminds us that His plan for the world and for us is good.
• Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you… plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’
• God’s goodwill is the guarantee that our story ends in hope and not in despair.
• The angels’ announcement was Heaven’s declaration that God’s heart had moved toward mankind in love and not judgment.
• Before the birth of Jesus, humanity was separated from God, but through Christ, goodwill – God’s favour – was restored.
• Romans 5:8: ‘But God demonstrates His Own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’
• God’s goodwill means He is not distant or angry.
• He is near, loving, and actively working in our lives.
• We have this wonderful hope and that should inspire you to press on and keep going.

Conclusion:

• The first Christmas began with heaven singing over earth; ‘Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.’
• That same message still echoes today.
• God’s goodwill towards you has not changed.
• Receive it, rest in it, and reflect it to others.
• Let this Christmas be marked not just by celebration, but with the knowledge that God’s favour rests on you and by allowing the kindness of God to flow through your life.