Joyful News
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”” [Luke 2:10 NIV]
You don’t have to do a full scale survey to find that people get worried, stressed, and helpless in various ways, but especially financially, when Christmas approaches. The pressure to perform like everyone else is immense. People’s expectations of us, not helped by the adverts on television and in the media, causes many to be fearful of disappointing their family, friends, and even neighbours. But is this truly the reason for Christmas?
The original announcement of Christmas (the birth and celebration of the arrival of Jesus Christ) was by an angel to some lowly shepherds in a field. The angel said to them, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” The celebration of Christmas is the celebration of good news, not an announcement that would cause fear and stress to anyone. Yet that’s exactly what it has become. It’s time to go back to the the true story. It’s not about Santa, wanton partying, or getting into debt to prove our worth.
The baby Jesus was a gift from God, so we share gifts with each other. However, if Jesus is not the centre of the story then we completely miss the point. He is the birthday boy after all.
Finally, it’s very important to note that Jesus was born specifically to grow up and die a cruel death on a Roman cross to save the souls of everyone who would believe in him as their Saviour. Before his death, this is what he said, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16]. This is the good news of the story of Christmas.
By all means celebrate Christmas with family and friends, but not without inviting the birthday boy through prayer, and giving thanks to God for the great things He has done for us through Jesus Christ.
If you are a follower of Jesus and you already know these things, please share it with your family and friends. That’s the reason I wrote it. Thank you.
If you want to read more lessons for believers, please click the link here: Lessons for believers
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