Dec 24 Devotion: Good News of Great Joy

18).  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:  When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  19).  Then Joseph her husband, being just a man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away, privily.  20).  But while he thought on these things, behold.the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  21).  And thou shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins,  22).  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  23).  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  24).  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  25).  And he knew her not til she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

                                     MATTHEW 1:18-25

When an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, he gave them good news of great joy for all people: The long-awaited Savior was born! Then the angel was suddenly “ a multitude of the heavenly host praising God..."Luke 2:13).

The good news they proclaimed that day had to do with more than just Jesus’ birth. It anticipated His sinless life, which qualified Him to be God’s sacrificial lamb. It looked ahead to His crucifixion and resurrection, which signaled the Father’s acceptance of Christ’s payment for our sins. It also encompassed His future ascension into heaven (See Mark 16:19). And it envisioned Pentecost, when the Spirit would indwell believers (See JOEL 2:28), as well as the time Jesus would return as King. The angels rejoiced because salvation was here (SEE 2 CORINTHIANS 6:2).

Jesus spoke about joy because He wanted us to experience the satisfaction that comes from a relationship with Him. Such profound contentment isn’t dependent upon outward circumstances; rather, it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you.

The angels in heaven rejoiced at the announcement of Jesus’ birth, and the shepherds praised God. Are you experiencing the divine joy that overflows from a Spirit-filled life?

-IBC