Good News of Great Joy!

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on December 23, 2021

Christmas is a time when we, the family of God, come together to recall and reflect on the glorious moment in history when God chose to enter humanity and reveal the good news of His abundant love.  Once more, we will hear the Incarnation story and experience great joy. Our joy is rooted in the good news that by sending His Son, Jesus Christ into the world in bodily form, God reveals that our very being, body, heart, and soul are of deep value to Him. We can have hope. God cares for us and wants us to be reconciled to Him in love and peace. On the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord, the gospel reading tells us of the angelic Annunciation of Jesus’ birth to lowly shepherds and their visit to the Christ child (Luke 2:1-20).

We can imagine the shepherds outdoor enjoying the wonder and beauty of nature, God’s world when to these humble, marginalized folks, an angel appeared. And they were embraced in the glory of the Lord. The shepherds were also privileged to be in the presence of “a multitude of the heavenly host” who were praising God with one accord, singing; “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors.”  The great doxology to God included a blessing of peace to God’s people!  Excitedly and hastily, the shepherds went and found Mary, Joseph, and the Baby in the manger, just as the angels had described. Since they found the Holy Family just as the angels had described, the shepherds understood they could trust the angelic voices that declared peace. And shepherds who were afraid became hopeful and joyful. Silent, socially marginalized shepherds became bold speakers who, along with the heavenly host, were now glorifying and praising God. Humble shepherds became heralds of God’s good news of great joy. God invites us to be enfolded by His grace, His divine life of love. Peace on earth will be accomplished through the Son of God! May we share in the great blessings of Christmas!

Prayer: O come, Emmanuel, into our hearts and transform us that we may be heralds of good news in our world. Enlighten us that our lives may praise and glorify your name always. O come, Emmanuel, in your majesty and glory, and teach us how to love as you love us and use us as your instruments to accomplish your promise of reconciliation and peace to your people on earth. Amen

Tags: christmas, hope, joy, peace, good news, jesus christ, abundant love

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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