And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:8-11
(Although I wasn't raised in a traditional, liturgical church, I discovered Advent as an adult. I have found this ancient seasonal observance to be very useful in keeping a proper perspective about Christmas and what it's really all about. For the four Sundays leading up to Christmas I'll be sharing my thoughts about the four aspects of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.)
The angel who announced the birth of Jesus called it “good news of great joy for all the people.” Why was this such joyful news? Because the angel knew the true purpose of the Son of God descending to Earth in the form of a baby was so that, through His life, death and resurrection, He would provide the way of salvation to all who would believe in Him.
Unfortunately, humans saw the birth in a very different light. They expressed joy because, at long last, the promised Messiah had arrived. The Jews expected that the Messiah would make everything right. He would re-establish the throne of David and return Israel to its former glory as the religious and cultural center of the Middle East. He would rise up and conquer the enemies of Israel. And He would usher in an era of peace and prosperity. Little did they understand His true mission.
Today, we can look back at that great event and realize why the birth of Christ was such a joyful occasion. Because He was born in human form, He was able to experience everything we experience, feel everything we feel, face every temptation we face. More importantly, He alone could take on the punishment for our sins so that we could have a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Our joy comes from the assurance of our salvation, knowing that we have been set free from the curse of sin and death. It comes from the knowledge that we have a Savior who understands us, who has walked in our footsteps, and who feels our pain. It comes from a deep-seated belief that nothing in this world (or beyond) can separate us from the love of God.
Our joy does not come from our circumstances; circumstances change. Our joy does not come from our emotions; our emotions are unpredictable and unreliable. Our joy comes from the Holy Spirit who lives within each believer. Like peace, joy is also a characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit. Joy keeps us sane in the midst of the insanity around us. It helps us rise above the chaos, uncertainty and turmoil in our lives.
As we continue to prepare for and anticipate the celebration of Christmas, let us renew the joy that we have in Christ, and let us spread that joy wherever we go. It is a gift that we can share with everyone we meet; a gift far more valuable than anything we could buy, wrap and place under the Christmas tree.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Prayer:
God of Joy, we thank you for the great joy that we have from knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Help us to experience that joy fully in all of our activities, and to spread it to everyone we meet. Remind us that the joy of this season is not only about the birth of a baby in a manger in Bethlehem two thousand years ago, but about a Savior who is returning soon to complete what He started and to take us home to be with Him forever. Amen.
Have a blessed week!
Pastor David
