JOY
22nd Dec 2021
The country was under an oppressive Roman regime, there was turmoil because of the decree of Caesar Augustus and everyone was travelling here and there. It was a cold night and shepherds were living out in the fields. The circumstances were not good.
Suddenly an angel appears to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you.” (Luke 2:10-11)
That “Great Joy” was transforming for the shepherds, and it is still available to “all people” today. Happiness comes because of good happenings, joy is a gift that does not depend upon circumstances, but is a gift from the very heart of God.
Don’t allow the situation that we are all living through at this moment to rob you of the joy that Jesus has given to all those who belong to Him. Peter in his letter says, “Through you haven’t seen him, you love him; even though you don’t see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” (1 Peter 1:8)
It was similar in the time of Nehemiah. Yes, the wall of Jerusalem had been completed, but the people were still surrounded by their enemies, who did not want them to succeed. Ezra is reading the Book of the Law and the people are being convicted, but Nehemiah breaks in and declares, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
This is the time of the year when we can have mixed emotions, different memories associated with Christmas, some of them sad, but the joy that Jesus brings to all believers transcends circumstances.
Jesus when speaking with His disciples before the cross realises that there is sadness, fear and trepidation among them and reassures them with these words, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)
Let that joy fill you this Christmas time - “Good news of great joy” - “be filled with inexpressible and glorious joy” - and know that “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
