Joy Found in Jesus

“But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10 

Christmas is a special time of the year. As that one song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” But why is that? What makes Christmas so special and worthy of excitement and preparation? Some people would say that the weather is what makes it so memorable. Others argue that the decorations, the lights, and the music are what fill them with joy during this time of year. Meanwhile, others love Christmas because they are finally going to get that present they’ve been waiting all year for. While spending time with family, enjoying the lights and the decorations are good things, they often distract us from the true beauty and importance of the Christmas season, and that is remembering the birth of Jesus Christ. 

While all these other things can be enjoyable and exciting, it is so important that we remain grounded and focused on the real purpose behind our celebration during this holiday season. In this season, we celebrate God sending His son to be present with us. Matthew 1:23 says: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means God with us.” Christmas is not about the gifts that have been wrapped with fancy bows or festive wrapping paper; it is about the greatest gift we have already received: Jesus Christ, God with us. This is the reason for our joy and celebration; that we do not serve a distant God whom we need to impress or work to receive his approval, but a God who is present with us, and loves us enough to send his son to this earth to pay the price for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that; “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This is the free gift of God that is offered to you and I, salvation from our sins. It is a gift; therefore, it does not need to be earned or qualified for, it merely needs to be received.

This Christmas, let us be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas, and be reminded of “the good news of great joy” that we have received! Whether this is a reminder or new information, do not let yourself fall back into the distractions the world throws at you, but allow the truth of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection to transform the way you celebrate this Christmas.

If this is new for you and you would like to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas and the gift that God is offering you today, please do not hesitate to reach out to the USG staff. We would love to connect with you and explain the reason for the hope and joy that we have. 

Merry Christmas!

Action Step: Spend a few minutes each day this week in prayer, asking God to help you focus your attention on Him this holiday season. Read Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-38 on Christmas Day.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending your son, Jesus Chris, to this earth, to live a perfect life, and to die a sinless death for me and my sins. Thank you that He rose to life after three days and defeated the grave and sin, and has offered me the gift of eternal life. May I be reminded of this truth repeatedly during this Christmas season. Lord, help me to avoid the many distractions all around me, but may my focus and my heart be set on you, Amen.