Good News of Great Joy

We have endured another black Friday and a cyber Monday. As I write this we are in the middle of the Christmas shopping season. Our family has a tree up but at this point not one present has been wrapped and put under it. I felt embarrassed recently when I went to a friend’s house and saw dozens of brightly wrapped packages under his tree. He told me he is completely finished with all his shopping and did it all on the day after Thanksgiving.

Christmas lights are brightly lit hanging on trees and houses all over. The city Christmas decorations are up. Church choirs have rehearsed and are ready to begin performing their musicals and pageants. Christmas music is jamming the airwaves on radio stations with the Christmas spirit.

Retail stores have sale upon sale to lure potential shoppers in as they compete for holiday dollars. Television commercials remind us time is ticking down as we get nearer to December 25. We have less than three weeks left before the big day.

I love watching children this time of year. They get so excited as they count down the days. This is truly a festive time of year. My mind and heart are turned in a different direction this morning though. I know all too well that many surrounded by lights and decorations have a hard time during Christmas.

First, there are those who are facing financial hardship. They love their families as much as the next guy but sink into depression knowing they cannot possibly afford to buy Christmas for their children or spouses. They try but lay offs, the drought, and economic down turn have taken a toll. Depression puts an icy grip on their minds leading them to despair. Such moms and dads are desperate this time of the year. Without a true Christmas miracle they have no hope.

My mind drifts to all those who have lost spouses, children, or close relatives at some point in the past year. This will be their first Christmas without a loved gathered around the Christmas tree or dinner table. While the rest of the world sings and laughs joyously celebrating the season many enter this season filled with grief and sorrow. Silent Night is often replaced with silent tears as the grieving try to cope with their broken hearts and life without the one they loved.

I think of another group of people who have outlived spouses, relatives, and friends by many years. Though once young and vibrant at local churches in the past many of these dear people are now forgotten and forsaken. Some elderly will not get a Christmas present, a Christmas card, a phone call, or an invitation to a Christmas party this year and have not for several years in the past. They endure each day lonely and feeling unloved and unwanted. Some of these people question why they continue to hang on year after year. Some feel they have no purpose in living.

It is to all of these people I remind that Jesus came on that first Christmas morning. The angels declared, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today a Savior who is Messiah the Lord was born for you in the city of David.” [Luke 2:10-11]

This is good news for the poor and the rich, the loved and unloved, the remembered and forgotten and the young and elderly. The gift of Jesus Christ is not only good news it is the best news in the history of the world. This news still contains joy for all mankind. Jesus is a gift surpassing in beauty, worth, and blessing than anything this world has to offer this season. I-phones, cars, computers, and clothes cannot compare to His infinite worth. You may not be able to find joy in your circumstances but you can rejoice in the truth that Jesus came for all people and that includes you. He does not leave or forsake His own. Most important of all is He came as a Savior. You and I needed a redeemer and Jesus came to save the day in that manger. He conquered the penalty of sin with his death on the cross and now salvation is available to people from all walks of life. That is the best news this world has ever heard and it all started with a babe in a manger.

Once the packages have been unwrapped, the tree taken down, the decorations stored, and family leave for home Jesus remains. He is the reason we celebrate Christmas and He offers Himself as the best gift of all. Embrace Him dear reader. This is the joyous good news I have to offer this time of year. Enjoy the other gifts and activities of the season but embrace Jesus. He is truly the reason for the season.