My first child, Aaron, was born just after Christmas. The night
before his scheduled induced labor, I felt an almost euphoria, I had so
much joy in my heart. I was going to get a baby the next day―a
baby that I could take home with me. What an incredible Christmas gift.
It seemed almost too good to be true.
After a long labor, it was actually two days later, but I
carried that little fellow home and had a birthday party for him every Tuesday
for a year―at
least a birthday party in my heart.
This Sunday at our church, we will light the candle of joy
on our Advent wreath.
One night to a village of what some think may have been less
than 300 people, God sent the Savior of the world wrapped in the fragile trappings
of humanity. That tiny bundle came bearing a gift for all mankind―His
work on earth making a way for us through faith in Him to know joy eternal.
The angels’ said to the shepherds, “I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born to you, he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Though I experienced an incredible level of joy on the
arrival of my son, how much greater is the joy Jesus came to give us. In fact, that word used by the angels, great, in the Greek means exceedingly, greatest, and mighty. Exceeding joy. Greatest joy. Mighty joy.
Some of you may have recently lost someone close to you or maybe you're giving care to an aging parent. Perhaps your financial situation is looking dire, or you are dealing with serious health issues. This time of year can be especially difficult when you're already dealing with hard things, but dear friends, no matter what is happening in your life today, may you not miss what God has for you as we celebrate the birth of our Messiah. Forget the Norman Rockwell picture and embrace the joy in this moment no matter how frayed your life may seem. You are loved with an exquisite love, and He came to give you GREAT joy.