'The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. '
Mark 1:1
The year is disputable, but it is sometime around 5 BC as the sun slowly begins to sink below the western horizon, giving way to the chills of night. Augustus Octavian Caesar, God-King of all the known world, is slowly winding down his day, unaware of what is happening outside.
For in the outskirts of the Roman province of Judaea, in a rancid manger, a child was born—a king far greater than the Emperor could ever fathom.
The initial verse of Mark’s Gospel holds within it a beautiful message that is unfortunately hidden from sight due to translations. The word “Gospel” is an interesting one, and translates sometimes to “good tidings” or “good news,” but the word in the Greek is one used with profound intention.
In Koine Greek, the word Gospel is εὐαγγέλιον or “euangelion.”
This word is a noun and indeed is translated as above mentioned; however, it was not used for any good news, but rather it held a very unique utility. εὐαγγέλιον was used to describe the announcement that a new emperor had been crowned. In Mark’s Gospel, from the very beginning, he declares the beauty of Christmas, that not just a child was born in that putrid manger, but instead a king. And not just any king, but an eternal king, kind, merciful, a lover of the lost and healer of the meager. A king of a kingdom, never-ending, who would die for you and I, that we may be children of Yahweh.
To Him be the power, the glory, and the kingdom forever.
So be it and let it be.
Amen.
So be it and let it be.
Amen.