They had waited such a long time. Since the fall of Adam and Eve. Since the prophet Malachi 400 years had passed and nothing- Not a word! God was silent! And then suddenly:
Angels- a divine message to a young girl: Mary. Then a Star- a light of Hope! And then an announcement to shepherds watching their sheep during a quiet and starless night: Luke 2:10-11 – “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great JOY to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
They looked at each other in wonder and repeated: “A great JOY?”- here in Bethlehem? Nothing good ever happens in Bethlehem or Nazareth!?! That can´t be right!
But is was- the Messiah born in a place where they at least expected it. Not in Jerusalem- the city of David or in any other town, but according to the word of the prophet Micah 5:2.
Joy to the World, the Lord has Come!
Let there be JOY! – You know, even though life doesn´t always give us reasons to be “merry” – God´s word does! Psalm 70:4 – But may all who search for You be filled with JOY and gladness in You. May those who love Your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!”
This Christmas embrace the JOY of the Lord- we are not in this world without a helper- the Holy Spirit. If you haven´t the experienced JOY in the Holy Spirit- pray and open your heart to receive the Holy Spirit. Let him fill your heart with Joy. There is no greater joy than to be glad in God´s presence.
No matter what happens- the Joy of the Lord is our Strength! Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Let us REJOICE! Let´s be GLAD- Let us PRAISE his name!