“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 Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 (KJV)
It’s Christmas Eve morning, our girls still asleep, Dale in the barn feeding the animals and I savoring my coffee by the fire reflecting on that glorious night that great joy was born to mankind.
I love how God opens the gospel dispensation with an angel proclaiming the great joy that would be to all people because of Jesus’ birth. I love it because He’s already told us that the end of this age will come when a mighty angel sound’s the trumpet and all the dead in Christ will rise into their fullness of joy! He’s the ultimate story-teller, isn’t He!
His birth ushered in joy, peace and access to Him as was His original design for all mankind before Adam and Eve sinned. God sending His own Son in human form restored what was lost in the garden when sin broke the covenant between Him and man.
The great joy the angel announced is living, pure, holy and powerful enough to sustain us throughout all the ages. It is contagious even in the greatest of hardships. I can’t help but think of all those who have been tortured for following Him yet because of this living joy Christianity is unstoppable! Even in the dark ages when the Bible was locked up in cathedrals, no one could lock up or take away this great joy acquired through Christ. Everything can be stripped from us, but not the joy that was brought to Earth through the birth of our Savior that first Christmas night.
Let us come and adore Him!
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…from that time forward, even forever.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV)
May your Christmas overflow with His great joy!
The girls are waking now, Dale’s making breakfast and I’ve got to prepare the goose for Christmas dinner! Merry Christmas!!