Good Tidings of Great Joy
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon
them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore
afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is
born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:8-11
Surveys show that for many people Christmas is one of the most stressful
times of year. Yet it is meant to be a time of joyful celebration. When the
angel announced the birth of Jesus Christ he called it news of "great joy."
Too often we allow the pressures of the event to overshadow that joy.
Finances, strained relationships, time pressure, and stress can turn
Christmas into a difficult day rather than a celebration. But that should
not be true of God's children.
Dr. John Rice wrote, "Christmas joy does not depend on the outward trappings
of Christmas. You may be lonely, poor, and cold, neglected by the children,
forgotten by your friends, yet may have the glad Christmas joy in your heart
as Paul had, shut up in prison cells at Rome! Be sure to open your heart and
let the dear Lord Jesus make it a happy Christmas time for you."
This is a day of good news as we celebrate the birth of the Saviour. Even
though those around us may not understand the real meaning of this special
day, we who know the truth should not lose sight of it. Let it be said of us
as it was said of the wise men: "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with
exceeding great joy" (Matthew 2:10). May your Christmas truly be merry and
blessed.
As you celebrate Christmas, rejoice in the glad tidings of the hope for
eternity God has given us.
