GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY!
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Luke 2:8-11 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
The message of Christmas is “good news that will bring great joy!”
As I reflect on my many Christmas seasons, I am reminded of one in which my mom was battling breast cancer. She was in the hospital undergoing chemo treatments and not responding well. My wife and sons had driven to be with my in-laws. I was going to join them a day later. I preached the morning service and then drove to the hospital to sit with my mom.
We had several hours together to reflect on life and replay some family moments. That day alone in a hospital room with mom was one of my favorite Christmas memories. There was joy amid pain and suffering.
Mom never allowed the cancer to steal her joy. Physically she was struggling, but her spirit was strong. Her faith was solid. She knew she was a winner whatever happened next in her life. (She did beat that round of cancer.)
Mom had lived her entire life as a follower of Christ. As a young girl in a small country church, she had received the good news that brings great joy. Through the poverty of her upbringing, the moving to the city to find a job, marriage to a preacher, and raising of three kids she kept her joy.
Yes, there were moments of difficulty and even depression. Life had a lot of curves for mom and dad. But through it all she never faltered in her faith in the good news.
Regardless of what your circumstance may be this Christmas season you don’t have to be afraid, there is good news of great joy. God has sent a gift to all of us—His joy. That joy is wrapped up in human flesh and laid in a manger.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to focus on Your gift of joy this Christmas season. Help me to see Jesus as my joy.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
I pray for joy to flow this Christmas for all who are followers of Christ.
Jesus you are my joy , my strength, my everything ..