Residing Joy
“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! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:10-14 NLT)
What news can bring great joy to all people?
Only one announcement can bring exceedingly great joy to every person ever created regardless of culture and century.
C.S. Lewis wrote,
“The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”
God sent His Son to reconcile all people to Himself. The eternal rift between souls and God, which cannot be restored from our side, was bridged by Christ. When we receive His rescue, the promises of God become our life’s foundation. We are released from the penalty of sinful choices. Our despair is revolutionized by hope. As His Spirit leads, we experience a residing joy and a sense of well being that is not dependent on circumstances. Being restored to God, we are given the Holy Spirit who is the source of this joy (see Galatians 5:22).
The announcement of Jesus’ birth led the angels to rejoice knowing what he would accomplish.
The people of this time knew too well the effect of rebellion against God. Not only were they living under political tyranny and oppression, but God had withdrawn His presence to honor His people’s repeated unbelief and the resulting idolatry. For approximately 400 years God held Himself back from His people until this undeserved moment when “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
For these first-century people the birth of Jesus was such brilliant news that the despair which taunts humankind was pushed back by exceedingly great joy - and will be forevermore.
May this joy eclipse whatever attempts to overshadow your heart.
Angels and the radiance of God’s glory may not be manifesting in the sky over your head, but you have something better. You have Immanuel, God with you, and He is pleased with you!
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
PRAYER
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to rescue me. You are the source and giver of all joy. Today I choose to believe that You rejoice because I am Your child and I rejoice with You. Please help me to remember this eternal truth. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.