Fill Your Hearts With Joy
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!” -- Luke 2:9-10
A number of years ago I had the opportunity to attend the Christmas program at the Crystal Cathedral. It was an amazing production filled with “angels” flying through the air and real camels coming down the aisles. It brought what we know as the Christmas story to life.
It’s so easy to read the words and kind of slide past the enormity of what happened that night while those shepherds were simply going about their business. Think about it. You’re just hanging out with your coworkers one night and suddenly an angel of the Lord appears. We all want to think we would be amazed and awed and thrilled. And probably we would. But it also would likely be quite frightening.
It wasn’t until the angel spoke and told them about the Savior who had been born that night that the shepherds understood the magnificence that was before them. How inspiring to be chosen to receive such great news!
The Christmas season is filled with so many things that have nothing to do with Jesus’ birth. It’s about shopping and gifts, eating and parties. Sometimes it’s just plain exhausting. And while many of us have a wonderful time visiting with family and friends, it can all seem overwhelming and not at all joyful.
Maybe that’s because we’ve lost focus of what Christmas really means to all of us. A baby was born. God’s Son in human flesh. He came to grow into a man and save us all from an eternity separated from God. But on that night so long ago, the skies were filled with joy.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.” -- Luke 2:14
The chorus of angels praised God as the shepherds looked on. Imagine the joy that filled the shepherds’ hearts as they realized what they had witnessed. Priorities shifted. They left their sheep. They left their jobs. They left their lives to seek a baby who was a Savior.
So slow down a little these next weeks. Take it all in. Listen to the choirs sing God’s praises. Hear the story with fresh ears and a heart open to absorb its truth. A baby is born to save the world. Jesus the Messiah. Shout aloud with great joy. A Savior has come for you and for me.
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