NEWS OF GREAT JOY

Shirley Phelps

            Luke 2:10-11 - "But an angel said to them, '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 savior has been born to you; he is Christ the LORD.'"
 
            Let us rejoice as we remember that God has given us the greatest gift ever given, his son Jesus Christ.  The great joy in our Christmas celebration is found in pondering on this Jesus and the purpose for which he came.  In John 17:26, Jesus sums up his mission on earth in his prayer for all believers:  "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and I myself may be in them."  Jesus made God known to us through his life, teachings, miracles, death on the cross and resurrection.  Only through Jesus can we come to know God and his great love for us.  When we come to him, give up our rebellious life and claim his abundant, eternal life, God fills us with his love and joy.
 
            Yes, we have received news of great joy.  We have received the savior of the world.  "Let us acknowledge the LORD, let us press on to acknowledge him."(Hosea 6:3) Let us rejoice with Great Joy because the love with which the Father loves Jesus can be found in us. Let us celebrate!