Joy breaks into darkness with hope!
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 NIV
The message proclaimed by the angel pierced the silence of the the night—joy in darkness!
The birth of Jesus the Messiah brought the gift of deep joy and peace to a troubled world.
In the midst of the pain and fears, we can embrace the Lord as Immanuel. Each year the Christmas story is more meaningful as I see more of Immanuel in my joys and struggles. The profound truth of the hope, peace, love and joy of the nativity offers strength even on the worst of days.
Immanuel is faithful, every day of our lives. He is with us in our celebrations. Even when we are lonely or scared we have the promise that the joy of the Lord is our strength — not people, not circumstances. Jesus brought a new joy, a new hope to all of us that is deeper than circumstantial happiness or warm, fuzzy feelings.
It goes beyond what we can see. Jesus taught us to remain in his love and obey his commands. He goes on to say in John 15:11,
I have told you this so that my joy my be in you and that your joy may be complete.
His joy is for all of us, not only when things go well, but also when we are discouraged.
That’s what Jesus does for us. Through faith in Jesus, we can fix our eyes on the unseen knowing the Lord is with us, and not lose heart.
In the midst of the brokenness of the world, Jesus appeared. In the midst of our pain and struggles, He is there, faithful and loving. We can choose His joy. Enter the joy of the season, celebrating the birth of the newborn King!
Merry Christmas!
