Tuesday, December 20, 2022
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:9-11
Good News For All People
“Good news of great joy that will be for all the people…” The birth of the son of God; Emmanuel, God with us; Jesus Christ’s arrival on planet earth was without a doubt the most joyous news that anyone had ever heard. The announcement wasn’t “Joy to the territory surrounding Bethlehem.” Nor was it “Joy to the people of the nation of Israel,” this announcement was wide open. This joy was for all people! The grace of God would now be extended to include all people…whether Jew or Gentile, Hebrew or Greek.
So why aren’t we bubbling with joy? One word…Distractions. Christmas can be a real Joy stealer. The cost, the worry, the stresses, the pressure…these and a thousand others can reach into the fullness of the Joy of Jesus and strip it bare…if we let them. The cure? Discover once again the Joy of Christmas. God has given us the greatest gift ever in his son Jesus, and Satan is hoping that we’ll lose that gift amongst the trappings of the tree.
So press through the seasonal bustling and let’s grab a hold of that “Good news of great joy that will be for all the people…” That day, a Savior was born for us…Christ the Lord. His name is Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and of His Kingdom there shall be no end.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come…Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing. This joy is yours…and mine.
Kerry Patton
